Locked Keys in Your Car? Here Are a Few Tips

Keys locked in your car? You’ve probably seen the YouTube videos that show how you can get into your car with a shoestring, a wire coat hanger, or a rod and screwdriver. While those tricks might work, they might also scratch your car, ruin electrical wires inside the door, or take too much time for you to perform.

Locked Keys in Your Car

If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, here are some tips to help you stay calm and get help on the way:

Dial 911. Assess the situation. If you are in a bad neighborhood or it’s late at night and you don’t have a safe, well-lit place to wait, call the police. Your safety comes first. In many cases, the police can unlock the car’s door. If they can’t, they will probably call a tow truck. You will be responsible to pay the towing company, but at least you’ll be safe.

Call for roadside assistance. AAA, Allstate, and other organizations that provide roadside service can get you inside your car, though it could take a while for them to reach you.

If you don’t subscribe to such a service, most new cars come with roadside assistance during the basic warranty period. The number to call might be posted on a window decal. If it isn’t, you can get the details by calling a dealership. To be prepared, you should store the number in your phone or write it down on paper and keep it in your wallet or purse.

If you don’t have a new car or you don’t belong to a service such as AAA, ask about adding roadside assistance to your auto-insurance policy.

Phone a friend. If you have a roommate, partner, or friend that has access to your spare key, give them a call and ask them to rescue you.

Call a tow truck. If you have no free options, most towing services provide locksmith services. Call 411 for services in your area.

Before you find yourself with locked keys in your car, here are a few precautionary steps to take:

• Keep a spare key in your purse or your wallet.
• Keep a spare key in a well-hidden spot underneath your car. A little magnetic key box that sticks to body or frame is best, but be sure to place it in an obscure and hard-to-reach area where it can’t jiggle loose and fall off.
• Leave a spare with someone who could rescue you.
• Become a member of a roadside assistance organization (AAA, Allstate, etc.)

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