What Do You Do When You Lock Your Keys in Your Car?

You get to your vehicle with your children, a couple of bags of groceries, and your mouth drops open. You don't have your keys. Did you drop them in the grocery store? Then you see them. You have locked your keys in your car. What do you do now?

While there is never, ever a great time to lock yourself out of your car, it always seems to occur at the worst possible time. It's easy to faint at a time like this, but it's crucial to stay calm and not make it worse.

Don't Break Your Windows
If you are in a hurry, you might be tempted to break into your car. Don't give in to the temptation. Doing so will be costly and extensively damage your vehicle.

Instead…

Check all the doors
Before having a panic attack, check to see if all the doors are locked, including the hatch or rear door. You might be able to save yourself some trouble if you discover a way into your car.

Call someone for assistance
You might have a few options for who to contact in this situation. If you have a partner, roommate, relative, or spouse, call them and see if they can bring you a spare key. However, if you're far from home and there isn't anyone available to bring you a key, you might need to enlist the help of a towing service.

Tow truck companies will always have an auto locksmith available to respond ASAP, which also makes it the quickest option for getting help. Once the towing technician arrives, they will use professional tools to open your car without damaging it.

Calling 911 is also a solid choice. However, you should call the police only if you're in imminent danger. When cops respond to these sort of calls, it is typically to offer protection while a tow truck is on its way.
Wait for help in a safe place

You might be tempted to wait next to your vehicle, but a busy parking lot can be hazardous, particularly if you're with children. The safest place to wait for assistance is in a well-lit area, far from traffic. Try to find a well-known business close by where you can with people.

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