Getting locked out of your vehicle can be a frustrating experience. However, the best thing you can do is stay calm and follow the steps below.
CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE
If you have your phone on you, call your roadside assistance program or local towing company. Let them know where you are. If you do not know the exact address, provide information about the nearest intersection or landmark.
They will then send a lockout professional who has the training and skill to get into your vehicle and retrieve your keys without damaging the vehicle. If you are located within the city limits and are not somewhere remote, help should be able to get to you within the hour.
EVALUATE YOUR SAFETY
Check and make sure you are in a safe situation. Is your car parked somewhere well-lit or dark? Is your car somewhere isolated or public? Are you parked on the street or in the parking lot of a public business? Is the weather nice outside or is the weather poor?
If your car is parked in a dark or isolated area, find a nearby public space where you can wait for the lockout service to arrive. If the weather is bad outside, find some cover. Call the towing company and let them know where you are so they can locate you when they get to where your vehicle is.
If you think you are in danger, call 911 and see if a dispatch unit can be sent to your location.
BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR VALUABLES
While you are waiting for the lockout service, be careful with any valuables you have on your person. Secure your wallet, jewelry, and smartphone inside of your purse or pockets.
DECLINE HELP FROM OTHERS
If you are locked out of your vehicle in a public area, such as the parking lot of a grocery store or a gas station, others may offer you assistance while you wait. Decline assistance from well-meaning individuals who offer to help you get back into your vehicle.
Although they may know tricks for getting into a locked out vehicle, this does not mean they will be able to get into your vehicle without causing any damage. If they cause damage to your vehicle, you are responsible for the damage.
Wait for a trained professional to arrive who will be able to get you back into your vehicle without causing additional damage along the way.
CHANGE YOUR HABITS
If getting locked out of your vehicle is something that occurs on a regular basis for you, you should likely change your habits.
When you take your keys out of the ignition, have one place where you always put your keys. For example, you could immediately put your keys inside of your purse or in your pocket, or you could clip them to your clothing. Developing this habit will help you stop the lockout cycle you are in.
You can also make sure a friend or family member who you trust has an extra copy of your keys. That way, if you get locked out in the future, you can call them to bring the spare set of keys and let you into your vehicle. You should always open your car with a set of keys if possible.
If you find yourself locked out, please give us a call at
Hix Wrecker Service, Inc., right away. We know the importance of speed in these stressful situations, so we will get to your location as fast as we can and get your keys out of the vehicle without damaging it. We look forward to speaking with you.