Getting locked out of your car is one of the most frustrating and inconvenient experiences any driver can face. Whether it’s during daytime hours or in the middle of the night, the situation can quickly turn stressful, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar location or on a tight schedule. In this article, we explain the best ways to handle a car lockout and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
What Should I Do If I Get Locked Out of My Car?
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First, take a moment to evaluate your surroundings and your situation. Are you in a safe area, and do you have your phone with you? If you’re in an unsafe or unfamiliar location, focus on getting to a secure place while seeking help.
2. Check for Alternative Access
Sometimes, manual locks or the unlock button on the inside of the car might still be accessible. If you have a keyless entry system, try using any backup methods your vehicle offers, like a mobile app or key card for access.
3. Contact Roadside Assistance
If you have roadside assistance through your insurance company, auto club, or a subscription service, this is the easiest option. They can send a professional to unlock your car safely and often within a short period of time. Many people with extended roadside protection aren’t aware that this benefit includes lockout services.
4. Call an Auto Locksmith
If you don’t have roadside assistance, your next best option is to call an auto locksmith. These professionals use specialized tools, like inflatable wedges and other auto entry tools, to unlock your car without damaging the locking mechanism or auto glass. They’re also the most reliable option for cars with advanced locking systems or keyless entry.
5. Use Emergency Services in Urgent Situations
If you’re locked out in a dangerous area or during bad weather, consider contacting emergency services. They can assist you or help you find immediate roadside support. Your safety should always come first.
Assistance with Vehicle Lockouts: Can I Unlock My Car Myself?
If you’re locked out, your first instinct might be to try unlocking your car using makeshift tools like a wire coat hanger or a credit card. However, these methods can cause costly damage to your car’s door, weather stripping, or locking mechanism, leaving you with an expensive trip to an auto body shop.
Many people are tempted to use the coat hanger method or attempt to use a slip knot, but these DIY options are only viable for older cars with manual locks. Modern vehicles are equipped with complex locking systems, making these techniques ineffective and even dangerous. Amateurs without experience can cause serious damage in a short period of time.
5 Key Benefits of Fast-Response Vehicle Lockout Services
1. Speedy Assistance in a Difficult Situation
One of the most significant advantages of a fast-response vehicle lockout service is how quickly they can reach your location. Instead of waiting for hours or trying dangerous options to pry open your door, professionals will arrive promptly and resolve the issue.
2. Damage-Free Unlocking
Attempting to open your car yourself using DIY methods can result in costly damage. A professional will use non-invasive techniques like inflatable wedge kits or an airbag pump wedge to unlock your car safely without harming the vehicle’s exterior, automatic locking system, or auto glass replacement needs.
3. Access to Expert Locksmiths
By using a locksmith service, you benefit from the knowledge of experienced people who understand how to work with various types of vehicles, including those with complex automatic locking or auto manufacturer security systems. Expert locksmiths can also assist with commercial vehicles or cars with advanced auto theft issue protections, ensuring a safe and effective resolution.
4. Suitable for Numerous Vehicles
A fast-response lockout service can handle numerous vehicles, from compact cars to commercial vehicles, regardless of the make or model. Whether you’re driving a basic car or a luxury vehicle with high-tech systems, they are trained to unlock it safely and without damage.
5. Bonus of Roadside Assistance
Many customers with roadside assistance programs have the added bonus of lockout services being covered under their auto insurance policies. This means you can get back into your car without worrying about the cost of hiring a professional. In the event of roadside assistance coverage, you won’t even need to pay out of pocket for the service, making it an affordable and convenient solution.
What Are The Best Roadside Assistance Memberships In Canada?
How to Prevent Future Lockouts
Here are some tips to keep you from getting locked out in the future:
- Use a spare key: Keep a spare key with a trusted friend, family member, or in a secure location on your property.
- Routine key checks: Get into the habit of checking your keys before closing the door, especially if you use a keyless entry system.
- Consider smart key technology: Modern vehicles offer auto unlock features or apps that allow you to unlock your car using your smartphone.
- Store your fob safely: Place your key fob in a consistent, easily accessible spot to avoid misplacing it.
Professional Assistance for Locked Vehicles: Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call a professional to unlock my car?
If you’re unable to unlock your car using safe methods or don’t have a spare key, it’s best to contact a professional locksmith or a roadside assistance service. Attempting to open the car yourself may cause damage.
How much does it cost to have a professional unlock my car?
The cost of unlocking a car typically ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the location, time of day (emergency or after-hours service), and the complexity of the lock. Some roadside assistance programs cover these fees.
Here is an overview of the locksmith charges:
- Hourly rate $50 – $100
- After-hours rates $75 – $125
- Trip charge $2/KM
- Car key unlocking $50 – $100
Can roadside assistance unlock my car?
Yes, most roadside assistance programs, including those offered by companies like CAA or insurance providers, include vehicle lockout services. If you have a membership, this may be a free or discounted service.
How long does it take for a professional to unlock a car?
A professional locksmith or roadside technician can typically unlock a car in 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s make and model and the locking system involved.
Can a locksmith unlock all types of vehicles?
Yes, professional locksmiths are trained to unlock most types of vehicles, including cars with traditional keys, keyless entry systems, and smart key technology.
Will unlocking my car damage the vehicle?
A trained professional uses specialized tools and techniques to unlock vehicles without causing damage. However, attempting to unlock the vehicle on your own or using improper tools could result in damage to the locking mechanism or window seals.
What should I do if my keys are locked in the trunk?
If your keys are locked in the trunk, most locksmiths and roadside technicians can gain access to the trunk through the interior of the vehicle. If this is not possible, they may be able to bypass the trunk lock directly.
What information will a locksmith need to unlock my car?
The locksmith may ask for proof of vehicle ownership, such as registration or insurance documents, and a valid ID to confirm that you are the vehicle’s owner before unlocking it.
Do insurance policies cover car lockout services?
Some auto insurance policies include lockout services or reimburse the cost as part of roadside assistance coverage. It’s best to check your policy details to see if this applies.
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Norman Towing: Professional Towing Services in Toronto
At Norman Towing, we provide 24/7 professional towing services across Richmond Hill and the Greater Toronto Area, ensuring fast and reliable assistance whenever you need it. From emergency towing services to fuel delivery, flatbed towing, and car lockout assistance, our expert team is ready to help in any roadside situation. Whether your vehicle needs a jump start, flat tire repair, or a tow to the nearest auto body shop, we’ve got you covered with prompt, damage-free services.