What to Do When Locked Out of Your Car
Motorists dread the idea of being locked out of their car, however, this happens quite frequently. There are all sorts of reasons why you may find yourself locked out of your car. You may lose your keys somewhere in your home. Perhaps you put them in a jacket or pant pockets that you don't remember. Maybe you laid them down while shopping and didn't realize you ever took them out in the first place. If you have had to endure a hard day at work, it may have gotten even worse once you walked to your car only to realize that you have lost them. Perhaps the keys have fallen out of your pocket or purse, somewhere in your car. If you are rushing and you snatch the key out of the car ignition or door, you may break the key off in the door or ignition. All of the above mentioned instances are common. If you have done any of these things, trust me when I tell you that you are not alone. While we understand that this is an extremely frustrating situation, there is a solution for your lockout situation. The key to quickly resolving the problem is to remain calm so that you are able to think clearly. Here are a few ways to avoid being locked out for too long.
Always Have a Spare Key
This is one of the most logical things to do if you want to avoid being locked out of your car for too long. Despite this being a practical solution, it might surprise you to know that not everyone has a spare key. Stop what you're doing and put this on your to-do list, if you do not already have a spare key. The worst part of this solution would be for you to keep the spare key inside your car, where it obviously can't do you any good. The best way thing to do is make sure that you give the spare key to someone that you trust. This way they can bring you the key and viola! Yes, it is just that simple. Knowing that someone else has a key that can quickly get you back into your car should put your mind at ease in the case that you are locked out of your car.
DIY vs Locksmiths
There are some motorists who would simply prefer to handle the problem on their own. This is a lot easier for those who have an older model vehicle. However, cost-effective doing it yourself might seem to be, consider the amount of time it may cost you to gain access again. You should also consider the amount of damage that you might make to the exterior of your car during the process. This might actually make the situation worse.
Roadside Assistance
There are several well-known roadside assistance services that you may want to join. What they do is provide you with roadside assistance if you have car trouble, including, car lockouts. You pay a monthly fee and you are able to receive a specified amount of roadside assistance. This type of service is especially useful to anyone who has an older car. It is also a great idea for anyone who is prone to locking themselves out of their car. Check your car insurance to see if you are paying for roadside assistance. In many cases, motorists have insurance policies that enable them to receive a certain amount of roadside assistance per year. This is extremely helpful because they will send the nearest locksmith to assist in getting you back inside your car.
Stay Safe When Locked Out
Since a car lockout can occur when you least expect it, you may find not be fortunate enough to be locked out while still at work or at home. It is quite possible that you may be locked out in the middle of nowhere. When you are in an unfamiliar location, it is important that you take notice of your surroundings and never leave your car unattended when the key is locked inside the car. This could spell real trouble. If you need to get to a phone because yours in locked inside your car, make sure you leave someone to watch the car so that your car windows are not broken and your car stolen. If you are traveling alone, you may need to wait in order to get the help of a police officer, highway patrol or some city roadside assistance service. Whatever you do, don't leave your car or hop into a car with someone you don't know. If a stranger stops to help, simply ask if you can use their cell phone to call for help instead of asking for a ride anywhere.