Keys Are Locked Inside Your Vehicle
Nearly every person who owns a car or truck eventually finds themselves in a situation where they are outside of the car and their keys are inside. It can be a frustrating and stressful situation but remember that this can happen to anyone. There are a few different methods to get back into your car, some which are fairly simple and others which can be more time-consuming and difficult. It might cause you a bit of panic in the moment, but you have options, and we are happy to offer you a few solutions.
Remember that you may be locked out of the car right now, but this situation will not last forever. Whether you cannot get into the car itself or can’t get the trunk open, there are ways to handle the problem and rectify the situation. Before we look at the solutions available to you, take some time to breathe and relax. This type of situation can happen to nearly anyone. We’ll start at the very beginning and help you through the steps that will give you back access of your truck, car, or SUV.
First Steps to Take
The first thing you want to do is consider how you ended up in this position to begin with. Knowing what is going on and why can help you determine the right solution to the issue. This step also allows you to consider the problem and prevent yourself from doing it in the future. It is super simple to end up stuck outside of your car with your keys inside, all it takes is a moment of forgetfulness.
Not every solution is going to fit every situation. For instance, if you are in an emergency situation, DIY approaches that take a lot of time and effort may not be right for you. In this case, you would want to reach out to a qualified emergency locksmith to get in your car quickly. However, in some situations, taking the extra time may be worth it to you.
The point is that one you realize you are in this predicament, you want to consider the best solution to take care of it. If possible, avoid leaving your car unattended until you resolve the issue. This is especially important if your cars are easily seen when looking into the car. Now that we have that out of the way, we’ll explore your many options.
Check for Other Ways to Get Back Inside the Vehicle
You might think it is obvious to say that you should double check that there is no other way to get into the car, but it still needs to be said. If you’re worked up about the situation, you may forget something. Don’t allow this frustration and confusion to keep you from finding the right solution. You might overlook something simple if you aren’t careful.
Taking time to double check the car can save you time and money if you find a solution. So, take some time to see if there are any other entry points that you can take advantage of. Check each of your car doors to ensure they are all inaccessible before moving on. If the answer is yes, check the trunk, as well. If it is open and the main compartment is accessible from the trunk, you can get your keys and move on.
You should also consider whether there are any remote alternatives to unlocking the doors. If you have OnStar or Viper, for instance, you can get easy access to your car if your keys are locked away inside. If not, you can move on to other solutions. However, it’s always worth checking the simplest options first.
Determine Whether a Spare Set of Keys is Available
Everyone should have a spare set of key for their truck or car. It is also a good idea for homeowners to have a spare set, as well. If you do have a spare key, you should be able to open a door and get to your normal set of keys. However, if you do not have any spare keys available, try to stay relaxed. This is often the case since spare keys may be inside of the actual vehicle.
If your spare keys are in another location, you could get on your phone and call someone you trust. This person may be able to pick up the spare keys and bring them to your location at the vehicle. Of course, this is only going to be feasible if the keys are nearby and someone is capable of picking them up for you and then okay with bringing them to you.
Those who don’t have a spare key will want to skip this solution altogether. However, you might want to consider having a spare set of keys made after you have made it back into your vehicle.
Think About Potential DIY Options for Entering the Car
There are a number of different DIY options for attempting to get back in your car if you want to avoid calling a locksmith. Keep in mind, however, that the chance of success will vary based on the type of vehicle you have and what tools you have around you to take advantage of. You’ll understand that we mean by that as you read on for DIY options.
Everything from professional tools like a slim jim to a simple item like a shoelace can be used to try to unlock a vehicle door. You may be able to find something nearby or you may have to hit up a hardware store, which may or may not be an option depending on your location. If you happen to be stuck in your car across the street from a home improvement store, you might have a shot but there is no guarantee.
The type of door locks on your vehicle, as well as how accessible the components of your door are will have an impact on how well most techniques will work. No matter what technique you choose, you’re essentially attempting to circumvent your door locks to get inside, which may or may not work out. If you have post locks on your door, shoe laces might help you open the door but that won’t be the case for a push or sliding lock. Another thing to keep in mind is that if you choose a DIY method, it can take a long amount of time to get implement successfully, if it works at all. As such, in an emergency situation, this is not the best solution for you.
Get the Assistance of a Professional to Get Into Your Vehicle
There are professionals who are ready and waiting to help in the scenario you have found yourself in. These experts have the tools and skills needed to get your car door unlocked so you can get your keys and take off to your destination. If you have a roadside assistance service, this is an option. However, the best option for most people is going to be getting in touch with a professional locksmith located in the same area as you.
You might feel embarrassed to calk and ask for assistance, but it’s well worth it to get your keys back on your person so you can continue your day. Calling a professional is different from calling a person you already know, and some people may be worried about the cost associated with it or the fact that they are admitting they have left their keys in the car. However, you should know that while it’s not free to unlock your car, the cost is often quite reasonable.
There is no reason to be ashamed of locking your keys in your car. If you are in trouble and need help, make a call and get someone to help you. This is especially important if you are in an emergency situation. Nobody is going to think less of you for asking for assistance. When we refer to assistance, the best option is an automotive locksmith who can unlock the car, grab your keys, and be your hero for the day.
If you’re in a situation that could be life-threatening due to having no access to your keys, instead you should first get in touch with the police. This should occur before you do anything else. However, if what you need is simple to get into your car, get in touch with an auto locksmith who is well-versed in car lockouts to handle the situation.
It can be easy to get stressed out and feel like you have no control when you find yourself locked out of your vehicle. If you can let yourself relax and clear your head, you will find a solution that will get you back in your car shortly. Call for assistance if it’s needed. If you are in an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, a locksmith can get you out of a bind without a lot of trouble.
Sources:
https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog/i-left-my-keys-inside-my-car-how-do-i-get-back-in
https://www.liveabout.com/how-do-i-get-my-car-out-of-impound-3993182
https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/locked-keys-in-car-14643519