Steps to Take After Locking Yourself Out of Your Car

Every day someone ends up locking themselves out of their car. Whether you got distracted getting the kids out, had your hands full with stuff, or just never pulled them out when you got out of the car, it is bound to happen at some point. When it does happen, there is no need to worry. There are ways of getting back into your vehicle without having to stress over it. The key is to stay calm throughout the process and not stress out. It happens to everyone at some point and there are plenty of people you can call on to come help you out. Here are some steps to take if you find yourself locked out of your vehicle.

Call the Police

If you feel like you could be in danger, then the first thing you need to do is call 911. They can come out and help you unlock your vehicle for you. If they struggle getting your vehicle unlocked, they will call a locksmith or tow truck to come and help. You will end up paying the tab if they have to call one of these so be prepared to shell out some money. The police will ask you for identification to ensure that it is your vehicle. They are just doing their job so be respectful to them.

Call Your Auto Club

If you have an auto club like AAA or Allstate, you want to be sure to give them a call. They are trained at getting into any type of vehicle. Additionally, many new vehicles offer roadside assistance during their warranty periods or the fir 90 days of owning the vehicle. You can take advantage of these services without having to pay a change in most cases. It is always a good idea to have the number handy with you. Some auto clubs provide a sticker with the number on it, while others give you a card to keep in your wallet.

Talk to Your Car Dealer

If you don’t have an extra key to help you get inside your vehicle, you can always get an extra one made at the auto dealer. This is more for those who have the time to go through all this. It is always good to have a duplicate for when you do get locked out or lose your keys for some reason. You will need your identification and your vehicle’s VIN number in order to get a duplicate key made. If your key has a chip in it, you will be expected to pay right much more than a simple key.

Get Your Duplicate

It is always a good idea to have an additional key for your home and vehicle. You want to make sure you place it in a place that will be convenient and easy to get to. In some cases, if you know a reliable person such as your spouse or a family member, you can give them a duplicate key to hold for you.