There are few things more aggravating and stressful than getting locked out of your car. But like the old saying goes, "This, too, shall pass." Whether you've lost your keys or left them in the vehicle, there are ways to get back into your car and get to where you need to be. So the next time you find yourself locked out, here are four things to do.
Think of Your Safety First
The very first thing to do when you realize you're locked out of your car is to ensure your safety. Maybe you pulled over to change a flat and left the keys in the ignition. Or you could be stranded in a dimly-lit parking lot with no one around.
These situations can leave you in an unsafe environment, so don't hesitate to call the police so they can either get you to a safe place or hang out with you while waiting on help to arrive.
Gain Access Through the Trunk
In rare situations, you may pop the trunk before locking your keys in the car. If you get out of the vehicle and realize your predicament while the trunk is still open, you might be lucky enough to access the interior of your car through the trunk.
If this is doable, you'll see release latches on the backs of the rear seats. They're usually close to the bottom and can be on the left or right sides. Pull the latches to lower the back seats and crawl through to get your keys. In some cases, and if it's a true emergency, you might be able to kick the seats down.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company might cover the cost of a locksmith, especially if you've added a roadside assistance program to your policy. When you call to find out if you can be reimbursed, they'll let you know if they have any restrictions on who you can call.
Call a Professional
If you don't have a policy that covers emergency lockouts, you should call a locksmith or towing company to help out instead of attempting any special tricks for unlocking your vehicle. Some people use slim jims, wire coat hangers, or wedges to force the door open. But these can potentially damage your car and paint job, leaving you with a repair bill.
Professionals have all the tools to easily unlock your car door for about what you'd spend on a dinner for two. Not only that, they can make a spare key to use the next time you get locked out. Contact a service, like Shasta County Towing, if you need further assistance.
