Keys locked inside the car is a problem that occurs without warning and leaves you unsure what to do next. However, when it does happen instead of panicking, follow easy and useful steps to get access to your car easily and safely. In this article, we will tell you the practical and safe steps to take when your keys are locked in the car without any unnecessary damage or additional hassle of doing this.
1. Stay calm and assess the situation
Most people start panicking when they realize they’ve left their keys in the car and start making hasty decisions that can damage the car’s windows, doors, or locking system. So avoid doing this as this can lead to additional costs later, instead take a few moments to check all the doors and trunk of your car and find a safe solution to the problem.
2. Find a spare key
In such cases a spare key can be very useful so if you have a spare key you can regain access to your vehicle within seconds.
Consider where your spare key might be:
- At home
- With a close family member
- With a trusted friend
- Safe in a magnetic key holder
- In your wallet or bag
Always keep a spare key with you to avoid this kind of inconvenience, because most of the drivers realize the importance of a spare key when they get locked out of their vehicle. If you don’t have a spare key then get a copy made after the situation has been resolved to avoid a similar situation in the future.
3. Use your car manufacturer’s mobile app
Modern cars are no longer like the older ones, they come with smart technology that can help you in difficult times.
Today cars allow you to control your car remotely and if your car has this feature, you can simply log in to the app on your smartphone and unlock the doors.
Mobile apps for various vehicles typically provide the following features:
- Remotely unlock doors
- Find the current location of the vehicle
- Remotely start the engine
- Receive security and safety notifications
With this modern feature, unlocking a car is just a matter of minutes.
4. Contact Roadside Assistance
If you have Roadside Assistance available, now is the perfect time to use it.
Roadside assistance services send trained experts to your aid who can use special equipment to safely open vehicle doors without causing any damage.
Roadside assistance may be available through the following sources:
- Through your auto insurance company
- As part of a vehicle warranty program
- As part of an automobile or motor club membership
- As an added benefit on some credit cards
Before paying out of pocket for any service, be sure to check if you are already eligible for this benefit under one of these sources. This way, you can avoid additional costs and safely regain access to your vehicle.
5. Contact a Professional Locksmith
If none of the options works for you then hiring a professional locksmith is usually the best solution.
This is what expert automotive locksmiths solve vehicle lockout problems every day with the right tools to unlock your vehicle quickly and safely.
A professional locksmith can help you with the following issues:
- Locked keys inside the car
- Lost car keys
- Breaking a key
- Key fob programming
- Ignition problems
Although there may be a fee for a locksmith, the cost is usually much less than the damage that can be caused by trying to force open the car. Therefore, it is a better choice to seek professional help for a safe and effective solution.
6. Avoid home methods that can cause damage
You have probably seen this in many places on the internet or social media of people trying to open car doors. Sometimes with coat hangers, shoelaces, or other household items while these methods may occasionally work in some older vehicles, the locking systems in modern vehicles are much more advanced and complex. Trying such unprofessional methods can cause a variety of damage, such as:
- Scratches on the paint of the vehicle
- Deterioration of the rubber sealing or weather stripping
- Damage to the locking system
- Risk of unintentional activation of airbags
- Expensive repair costs
Often, the wrong method adopted in an attempt to save money becomes the cause of much greater expenses later.
Therefore, if you do not have the proper training and necessary tools, it is better to entrust the task of opening the vehicle to professionals.
7. Verify your identity and vehicle ownership
When the locksmith or roadside assistance specialist arrives to help you, be prepared to prove ownership of the vehicle.
You may be asked to provide the following documents for this purpose:
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration documents
- Insurance papers
- Driving License
- Vehicle Registration Documents
- Insurance Documents
These security measures are taken to protect vehicle owners from theft and unauthorized access and ensure that the vehicle is only given to its original owner or authorized person.
In such a situation, keeping digital copies of your important documents on your mobile phone can be very useful, as you can show them immediately if needed.
8. Prevent future car lockouts
Above all else the best solution is caution and preparation and by following simple habits can help you avoid future lockouts:
Keep a spare key
Keep a spare key to your car in a safe and easily accessible place.
Use a key tracker
Bluetooth tracking devices can help you quickly find your keys if they are lost.
Check before you lock
Make it a habit to double-check that your keys are in your hand or pocket before you lock your car.
Replace a weak key fob battery
A weak key fob battery can sometimes cause communication problems between the key and the vehicle.
Take advantage of smart features
If your car has remote unlocking or other smart features, use them to easily access the vehicle in an emergency.
Final Thoughts
It’s natural to feel frustrated, anxious, and helpless when your keys are locked inside your car, especially when you are already having a busy day.
Almost every driver has faced this situation at least once in their driving life and even if you haven’t faced it yet, all above mentioned steps are still very useful for you.
If you do not have a spare key and are not aware of any other way to regain access to your vehicle, don’t try to unlock the vehicle yourself instead, seek help from a trusted professional company.
If you’re in Winnipeg, call Orca Towing. Our expert team can reach your location within minutes and help you get back on the road with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
