Locked Out of Car? Here's What to Do

If you've ever locked the keys to your car, it's a terrifying situation. There are many ways to seek help.

Before calling 911, take a moment to think through your options and come up with an action plan. These tips will help you stay calm and possibly even unlock your vehicle!

1. Call 911

It's easy to panic when you lock your keys in the car and can't get them out. It's essential to stay calm and logical.

The first thing you should do is call 911, which connects you to the local public safety answering point dispatcher who will be able to send assistance as soon as it is possible. This could include medical emergency, fire, or police assistance.

In Washington County, the 911 service operates like this: The caller dials the three-digit emergency number 9-1-1 and the call is transferred to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). A trained call handler answers the phone and asks the right questions to determine which type of assistance is needed.

You'll need to describe the location, address, city/town, location, direction and highway crossing streets or interchanges close by and any other references which will aid an emergency response team respond quickly to the situation.

You should be able to describe the person or people involved in the incident and their race, gender age, height, weight, clothes and any other pertinent information about them.

If you're locked out with kids in the car, it's vital to get help as soon as you can. If they're kept in the car for too long, they may get overheated. This can be fatal if they're young and aren't sure how to unlock the door.

You can also call your roadside assistance company or a locksmith for assistance. They are likely to come to your location and help get back in the vehicle. However, this may be expensive. So you'll have to decide whether it's worth it.

2. Break a Window

When you're locked out of your vehicle, it can be extremely stressful. You may even get overwhelmed and make rash decisions. You should be prepared for the worst, and remember a few things before you take any drastic action.

One of the most well-known methods to gain entry into your vehicle is to break the window. This can be extremely dangerous, however, and is recommended as a last resort.

First, locate a sharp object that can be used to break the window. A hammer is the most efficient way to do this however, you could also use a stone or metal.

Duct tape is another option. This is an effective technique however it can create a lot of noise. Soundproofing blankets can be utilized instead of duct tape in order to keep your home as quiet as it can be.

You can also employ a hammer to break the window, but you must be cautious when using this method. Be aware that windows in cars are designed to withstand brutal force and are very sturdy, so do not use excessive force.

A safety hammer is designed to break glass in an emergency. It has a distinct design than a normal hammer. It is a curved tip that concentrates all force into a tiny area and auto lock out service makes the window breakable.

After using this method to break a glass, you should be able remove the broken pieces of glass and use them to open the door. It may take several attempts, but it's going to work and get keys out of locked car you should be in a position to exit your vehicle safely.

3. Contact a locksmith

Locked out of your car could be a stressful, frustrating or even embarrassing. There are a variety of ways to handle this, so that you can be back in your car as fast as you can.

First, it's crucial to stay in a calm state and focus on the task at present. A panicked response can be dangerous and could make your situation even more difficult.

If you're able attempt to locate a place in which you can wait for assistance to arrive. This is especially important if you're in a remote area.

After a couple of minutes you can give a locksmith phone call and ask for their assistance. They will know how to get into your vehicle without causing any damage.

They also have experience working with keyless cars and are able to program and cut keys on site if needed. It is likely that you will have to pay for their services once they arrive, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

Begin by checking their online reviews, and then contacting them to find the most reputable locksmith for you. A majority of locksmiths have GPS technology that allows them to pinpoint your location and reach you within a reasonable time.

In addition to helping unlock your car, a professional locksmith can replace or rekey your locks and create new keys for you. This is particularly useful in the event that you've lost your car keys or if they've been stolen.

It is also a good idea to keep a spare set in your car in case you lose your keys. This will save you time and money in the case of a lockout.

4. Call a Friend or Family Member

Getting locked out of your car can be an unpleasant experience. It can make it difficult to sleep or delay your plans. It could also indicate an issue that is more serious in your life such as mental illness or addiction.

It's essential to relax when you're stuck outside your vehicle, and one way to do this is by calling a family or friend member who's nearby. A friend or family member can assist you in finding your spare key or assist you while waiting for professional help.

You can also contact the police in the event of an emergency. Police are trained to handle lockouts, and they have the tools and equipment to open your vehicle and take it away.

If you have a pet or child in the vehicle it is even more crucial to call 911 as soon as you can, as kids can heat up rapidly in hot cars. This is especially true during the summer months and can make it dangerous to leave your home on hot days to wait for help.

Before making a call for help, also look around to ensure it's safe. You should not be in a crowded or busy area, nor on the road at night. Before calling for help, you should relocate to a safer place.

Whether you're out with friends or at drinking at a bar, it's going to be a lot more difficult to be stuck outside of your car in the middle of the night. If you have a family member or friend member who lives in the same neighborhood as you, it's a great idea to ask them to take you in and help out. It might take a while before they arrive but it's worth it.

5. Be in the safety of your home.

Being aware that you've locked yourself out of the car can be stressful. The panic and frustration only make matters worse, so it's important to keep your calm and find help as soon as you can.

Before you contact anyone to assist you consider taking a moment to assess the situation around you and determine whether or not it is safe for you to leave your vehicle. It is dangerous to stand on a busy road near the white lines as you may be struck by a car.

If you're unsure about the security of the location, it's best to wait until a locksmith arrives. You can find a 24-hour gas station, or a diner that are open until late at late at night.

Another option is to phone an acquaintance or family member and discuss the situation. This is a calming and beneficial step. It can also reduce stress and anxiety with waiting for someone to arrive.

Lastly, consider hiding a spare key in a lockbox on your vehicle. This is especially helpful for those traveling with children or have other valuables that are seen through the windows of your car.

It is also a good idea to make sure that your keys are not easily accessible, so don't leave them in the ignition or inside the keyhole in the ignition. Modern vehicles often come with remote key fobs that can be used to unlock doors from some distance. These devices might not be available for doors that are locked out of the car.