Car Keys Locked in Car? Here's How to Get Back in Without Calling a Locksmith
Nobody wants to be locked out of their vehicle. But it happens to the most cautious drivers.
There are a variety of ways to get back into your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance or the dealer. Here are a few of them. You can use your shoelaces or a wire coathanger.
1. Call 911
Whether it happens while driving to work or on an easy trip to the grocery store, leaving the keys locked in the car is a frequent event. From simple inattention to broken locks, it's easy for us all to make this mistake at some moment. Luckily, the issue is usually simple to fix. Although it's normal to be overwhelmed in these situations, it's important to not let your emotions overtake you. how do you unlock a car without a key can lead to reckless actions that can cause the situation to get worse.
Before taking any risk it is essential to take a deep breath and check all of the windows and doors of your vehicle. If you don't have a spare car key at home or a friend to bring it to you there are other ways to enter your vehicle without damaging your vehicle.
Many roadside assistance firms like AAA offer assistance to unlock your vehicle if you've locked the keys inside. They have specially-designed equipment and kits that can assist you and are available 24 hours a day. However, they might take a long time to arrive, and you'll need to pay a fee according to your membership level.
You can also try using objects you have at home like shoestrings with a slip knot through the door to open an old post lock, or a coat hanger made of wire through one of the window frames to open the lock. However, these tactics may break parts of the door, and they're not always efficient.
If you aren't able to get into your vehicle and you don't have time to wait for a professional or you're worried about someone being injured, calling 911 is the best option. A police officer will be dispatched to help you. In most cases they can unlock your car, or at a minimum summon a tow-truck, and the cost will be reflected on your bill. If the car is newer and the police are involved, they will require recoding the lock, which will come at an additional cost.
2. Call Roadside Assistance
A car lockout is an unpleasant and stressful situation that can leave you feeling in a state of utter helplessness. To avoid a car lockout, keep a spare in your purse or wallet, place it under your car or offer a friend a spare to leave at their home. If you are in a pinch you could also use a tool.
If you're stuck in a vehicle the first thing to do is evaluate the situation to determine if your keys are locked inside. Take a few deep breathes and then verify whether you can unlock the doors or access them from the outside. If not, contact roadside assistance.
A lot of auto insurance companies include roadside assistance as an add-on option however you could also find it through other service providers such as an auto club or credit card. Experts are typically available to unlock your vehicle using different strategies and tools. A professional can reset the key fob on your modern car that is keyless to start your journey.
If you do not have such a program you can still call the police department in your area for assistance. This is only to be done in the event of an emergency, such as when your pets or children are stuck in the car. It's not the time for you to dial 911 because you lost your keys. It is important to keep in mind that 911 lines are designed for emergencies and if you call to report the loss of your key in the car, you might not be able to talk to an officer immediately, and it may take a while before they send a professional to your location.
Be sure to find out the price of roadside assistance prior to when you make a call. Based on your membership, you could be covered for one free lockout each year or you might have to pay a fee out of pocket for such services. It is also important to find out if the roadside assistance provider you select has locksmiths on their team and if this is another option to get your keys back.
3. Contact a locksmith
When you are locked out of your vehicle, it can be an unsettling and frustrating situation, particularly if there is an urgency to get to where you need to go. However, even when all hope seems gone there are some tried and true ways to get back into your vehicle without having to call a locksmith.
The first step is to look at the other doors of your car to verify if they're locked. This might seem simple, but it's often overlooked by people who are in a hurry.
Another option is to ask family members or friends for spare keys and are able to let you in your car. If this isn't an option, you can find a different way to open the trunk. It is more difficult and you'll have to use a special tool or trick to get around the locking mechanism. Each model and make has its own procedure to follow, so it's important to find out how to do this for your specific vehicle.
If none of these solutions are working, then it's time to call a professional locksmith. A reputable NYC auto locksmith should be able get you back in your car quickly, safely and without causing damage to the lock. They will have the tools and know-how to break even the most secure locks and provide an alternative key in the future.
Roadside assistance companies such as AAA are also helpful in this situation. However, they do charge for their service. Luckily, most AAA members are granted one free lockout per year, depending on their membership level.
If you're a member of AAA they will send a locksmith out to your location. They usually can get you back into your vehicle within an hour. They can also assist with other roadside issues such as tire maintenance and fuel delivery. If you don't have a AAA membership, then you could try calling an individual locksmith, but this will likely cost you out of pocket. Be sure to do your research to find the most suitable locksmith for your needs.
4. Try an DIY Solution
If you discover that you have locked your keys inside your car, it can be a frightening moment. It is essential to remain calm, assess the situation and decide to do next. It is best to contact a locksmith before trying any DIY tips that could lead to more damage to your vehicle or a higher bill.
There are many ways to remove your car keys without having to call an expert. These methods require items that you already have. First, ensure that the trunk is not locked. Certain modern vehicles come with security features that stop the trunk from opening. You can look up your owner's manual, or contact Longo Toyota, to see whether this feature is present on your vehicle.
A shoelace is another option. This trick is only compatible with cars with post-locks, which are those locks that extend straight out of the door frame. This trick only works for vehicles that aren't compromised. It's best to use a newer vehicle, which is more likely to be a target for theft.
It's the last resort to break the window of a car. But, it should only be done in an emergency situation if there is a pet or child in the vehicle. It's important to note that breaking a window could require replacement of the glass, which can be expensive.
It's almost impossible to avoid getting your keys locked in your car However, there are ways to reduce the possibility of this happening. Make sure you keep a spare key is kept in a safe location or give to an individual you trust. Find out if your insurance or roadside assistance policy provides unlocking services. This could save you time and money if you lock your keys in the car again.