Car Keys Locked in Car? Here's How to Get Back in Without Calling a Locksmith
No one wants to be locked out. But it happens to even the most careful drivers.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to get into your car without calling roadside assistance or the dealership. Here are a few. Use your shoelaces, or a coat hanger made of wire.
1. Call 911
Whether it happens while driving to work or on a quick trip to the store or even when you're driving, locking the keys in the car is a frequent occurrence. From simple absentmindedness to broken locks, it's easy for us all to make this mistake at some point. Luckily, the issue is usually simple to fix. It's normal to be anxious in these situations. However, it's not advisable to let your emotions rule the day. Stress can lead to reckless actions that can make the situation worse.
Before taking any risk it is essential to take an exhale and look at all the windows and doors of your vehicle. You may have the luxury of having a spare key in your home, or perhaps a family member who is able to bring it to you however, if you don't have one, there are many other options to get into your car without causing unnecessary damage.
A lot of roadside assistance companies such as AAA, provide a service to help you unlock your vehicle if you've locked your keys inside. They have tools and kits that can help you do this and are available 24/7. However, they may take a long time to arrive, and you'll need to pay a fee dependent on the membership level you have.
You can also make use of items that you already have, such as a shoestring tied in a slip knot, then pulled through the door to lift a post lock. Or a wire coathanger through a window frame to open the lock. These methods can cause damage to parts of the doors and aren't always successful.
If you are unable to gain entry to your vehicle and don't want to sit around waiting to be helped by an expert, or you're concerned about someone getting injured, calling 911 is a good alternative. They will send a police officer to help you gain entry. In most cases, they will unlock your car, or at least summon a tow-truck, and the cost will show up on your bill. If your car is more recent, the police will probably require recoding the lock, which is at an additional cost.
2. Contact Roadside Assistance
A car lockout can be an unpleasant and stressful situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. To avoid a situation like this, tuck an extra key in your wallet or purse, stash it under the floor of your car, or provide a friend with a spare you can leave at their house. If you are in a pinch you could also make use of the tool.
When you're stuck in an automobile the first thing you need to do is examine the situation to determine whether your keys are locked inside. Take a few deep breathes and then check to see whether you are able to open the doors or access them from outside. If not, contact roadside assistance.
You can get roadside assistance as an optional extra with a variety of auto insurance companies. It may be offered through other service providers, like auto clubs or credit cards. Experts are typically available to unlock your car using different strategies and tools. In the case of a modern, keyless system experts will be able to reset your car's key fob to return you to your way.
If you don't have such a program you can still contact the local police department to seek help. However, this should be done only in emergency situations, such as the case of children or pets trapped inside the car, and not because you locked your keys in it. It is important to keep in mind that 911 numbers are designed for emergencies and if you call to report your key inside the car, you may not be able to talk to an officer right away and it could take some time before they send an official to your location.
Before you call roadside assistance, be sure you know what the cost will be. You may be entitled to a free lockout each year, depending on your membership. You may also have to pay out from your pocket. It is also important to find out whether the roadside assistance service you choose has locksmiths on their team, as this may be an alternative to getting your keys back.
3. Contact a Locksmith
When you are locked out of your vehicle, it's a frustrating and unsettling experience, especially if it is the need to travel quickly. Even if it appears as if all hope is gone there are a few tried-and-tested ways to get into your vehicle without calling an expert locksmith.
The first step is to determine whether the other doors are locked. This may sound obvious, but it's often ignored by those who are in a hurry.
Another alternative is to ask your family members or friends if they have a spare key and can let you in your car. If this isn't an option, you can find another way to open the trunk. This is usually more complicated, and requires you to bypass the locking mechanism by using an instrument or trick. You'll need to study the process for your specific model and make.
If none of these solutions work, you need to contact an experienced locksmith. A trustworthy NYC automotive locksmith is likely to be able get you back in your vehicle quickly and safely without causing damage to your lock. They'll have the tools and knowledge to crack even the most secure locks, and will be able to provide you with a new key for the future.
Assistance from roadside providers such as AAA can also be helpful in this situation, but be aware that they'll charge you for their services. Fortunately, the majority of AAA members get one free lockout per year, based on their membership level.
If you're an AAA member AAA they'll send a locksmith to your home and usually get you into your vehicle within an hour. They can also assist with other roadside issues, like fuel delivery and tire replacement. If you don't have an AAA membership, you can try calling the local locksmith directly however this could cost you out of pocket. Make sure you do your study to find the right locksmith for your requirements.
4. Try a DIY solution
If you discover that have locked your keys in your car, it could be a terrifying experience. It is important to remain at peace, look over the situation, and determine what next steps to take. Get a locksmith in touch instead of trying to fix the issue yourself. You could cause more damage to your vehicle, or pay an additional bill.
Fortunately, there are several options to unlock your car keys without calling an expert. These methods rely on items you've probably got at home. The first step is to ensure the trunk isn't locked. Some modern vehicles have security features that stop the trunk from opening. Read the owner's guide or contact Longo Toyota to find out whether your car has this feature.
A shoelace is another option. This trick is only compatible with vehicles that have post-locks which are locks that are inserted straight out of the door frame. It's also only effective only if the lock isn't damaged, so it's best to try this on a more recent car that's less likely to be stolen.
It's not the best option to break windows in cars. But it should only be done in an emergency situation if there is a child or pet in the vehicle. Remember that breaking car keys locked in car could lead to expensive glass replacement.
It's almost impossible to prevent getting your keys locked in your car however there are ways to reduce the chance of this occurring. Make sure you have a spare key you keep in a safe location or give to a trusted friend. Find out if your insurance or roadside assistance policy offers unlocking services. You can save time and money by employing this method if you ever lock your keys inside your car.