You know that sinking feeling in your stomach? The one that hits the moment you hear the car door slam shut and see your keys dangling from the ignition?
We’ve all been there, and if you haven’t yet, consider yourself lucky (but don’t get too comfortable, statistics suggest your time is coming).
The next time you want to make new friends, bring up the time you were locked out of your car, and you’re bound to get more mouths talking. After all, it is a universal experience.
The good news is that car lockouts, while inconvenient, are entirely solvable problems. The most important thing here is knowing how to tackle the problem and when to call an automotive locksmith in Birmingham if things get out of hand.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess Your Situation
Before you do anything else, take a deep breath.
When you panic, you’ll only make poor decisions. Ones that often lead to damaged vehicles, injured fingers, or both.
Your car isn’t going anywhere, and neither is your problem, so give yourself a moment to think clearly.
Your first step should be to check all doors and windows. Yes, it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people assume their entire vehicle is locked when only the driver’s door is actually secured.
Check the passenger doors, rear doors, and even the trunk or hatchback. Sometimes one door didn’t quite latch properly, or you might have left a window slightly open.
While you’re doing this assessment, take note of your surroundings. Are you in a safe location? Do you have somewhere nearby where you can wait comfortably if needed?
These considerations will influence your next steps and help you prioritize solutions.
Step 2: Check for DIY Solutions
When its the end of the month and you’re already struggling with money, you’re probably tempted to roll up your sleeves and take matters into your own hands. While it is possible, make sure you understand the risks before proceeding.
Smartphone Apps
Many newer cars come with smartphone apps that can unlock your car remotely. If you have one of these apps installed and your phone has service, this could be your quickest solution.
Spare Keys
This might seem obvious, but check if you have a spare key with you that you might have forgotten about.
What Not to Do
Resist the urge to pry open windows or use improvised tools. The money you save by not calling a professional will be quickly overshadowed by repair costs, so tread carefully!
Step 3: Check for Professional Help Options
When DIY solutions don’t work out, or you’re simply too cautious (which is a good thing!) to try something on your own, you need to reach out to a professional.
Here are your options:
Automotive Locksmith Services
Locksmiths are your best bet. These services have all the right tools and are trained to get access to your car, all without that unnecessary damage. Most will arrive within 30 minutes to an hour and have the issue resolved in minutes.
When calling a locksmith, be prepared to provide your exact location, the make and model of your vehicle, and a description of your situation. This helps them come prepared.
Roadside Assistance Programs
If you have roadside assistance through your insurance company, this service is often included in your coverage. The downside is that response times can be longer, especially during peak hours or bad weather.
Police
The police can sometimes help with car lockouts, but this varies by jurisdiction. Some departments, for example, might only respond to lockout calls if there’s a safety issue involved. This is why, we recommend having other options.
Step 4: Prepare for the Professional’s Arrival
Once you’ve called for professional help, use this time wisely.
- Try moving to a safe location where you can still keep an eye on your car.
- Gather any documents that can prove ownership. Most locksmiths will ask for some form of verification.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Now that you’re successfully back in your car, it’s worth thinking about how you can prevent something like this from happening again.
You can:
- Develop a habit to check for your keys before locking your car.
- Keep a spare key with a friend, a trust co-worker or even your neighbor.
- Carry spare batteries if possible, since most lockout situations are simply because of dead batteries in your key fob.
Also Read: How to Replace a Car Key Fob Battery in Minutes
What You Can Expect to Pay
Lockout services typically range from $50 to $150. But this will vary, depending on the time of day, how complex the job is and how far out your location is. Emergency calls usually cost a little more, but it’s still generally cheaper than attempting to regain access of your car on your own.
If something goes wrong during a professional service, you have recourse. If something goes wrong with a DIY attempt, you’re on your own.
Safe, Secure and Back Home in No Time!
Getting lock out of your car is frustrating. Especially if you’ve already had a stressful day or have an early morning the next day. But, it doesn’t have to ruin your day entirely.
While it’s natural to want to solve the problem yourself, some situations are just best left to the professionals. So, the next time you’re locked out and need an automotive locksmith in Birmingham, Bham Locksmith is your guy.
We know what’s it like to be locked out, which is why, we work quickly and efficiently to get you back on your way. Give us a call today!
