How to unlock a car

It almost always happens when you are distracted or at the most inopportune time. Accidentally locking your keys in your car is one of life’s little annoyances that almost everyone experiences at one time or another due to a variety of circumstances. If it is an emergency situation involving a child or pet in a locked car on a hot day, gaining entry by force or breaking a window is critical. If no emergency situation hangs in the balance, there are a variety of non-invasive ways to attempt to unlock your car.

Call Your Car Insurance Company 

Many people are unaware that their car insurance policies include some form of roadside assistance with a locksmith clause. For car insurance companies who offer the service, sometimes all it takes is a quick call to a dedicated line. A technician is sent out to your location within an hour or so, and he or she will unlock your vehicle in no time and have you on your way. Car insurance companies offering roadside assistance typically build this protection into your existing policy for free. Other companies offer this service an an optional benefit that you can selectively add to your policy for a low monthly cost. As a result, most service calls are free of charge when a technician is sent out to unlock your car.

Check With Your Cell Phone Carrier Or Credit Card Company 

While most cell phone carriers and credit card companies no longer offer or advertise roadside assistance, you may inadvertently have this service attached to your phone carrier or credit card. Many elite credit cards displaying the platinum, diamond or black status have a concierge-based service for members who have this little plastic lifesaver in their wallet. This concierge service can help assist in locating a locksmith or roadside assistance company to help if the keys locked in car or truck vehicles are yours.

Most cell phone carriers have stopped offering roadside protection. However, if you have not changed your cell phone plan in years or are grandfathered in on an old plan with a service clause, you may be able to arrange roadside assistance with your phone carrier by calling customer service.

Door Stop Hack

If the keys locked in car or truck vehicles are in close proximity to your home or garage, you may be able to break in using everyday items you have lying around your house. A door stop or wooden wedge and a long metal rod or coat hanger may be all you need to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to your car. To effectively break in, insert the wedge into the very top part of the driver’s side door until it creates an opening that is large enough to accommodate the metal rod. You can then push the unlock button on the car. This method works much better if you have a late-model vehicle with electronic locks, but it can also be effective on vehicles with standard locks as well.

A crimped plastic strap and rod can be used to lift the lock into the unlocked position if you have a standard locking system. If you do not have access to a wedge, a flat putty knife can also act as a wedge and give you enough leeway to insert the metal rod or wire coat hanger. An inflatable blood pressure cuff can also surprisingly be used in place of a door wedge. You insert the cuff in between the top corner of the driver’s side door, and then blow up the cuff enough to create a small opening to insert a hanger or rod.

Contact Extra Locksmith Today 

Of course, if you are not near any household gadgets and do not have roadside assistance through your car insurance policy, cell phone carrier or credit card company, you may have to bite the bullet and call a professional locksmith to help you unlock your car. If you have the time to do some research, you will want to hire a locksmith who is licensed, bonded and insured. This is an important question to ask as you are calling around to find a locksmith. On the rare chance your vehicle is accidentally damaged during the unlocking process, a licensed, bonded and insured locksmith will be able to quickly and easily pay for the damages.

If you are in or around the Provo, Utah area, Extra Locksmith can have you in your car and on your way in no time. Servicing all of Utah County, Extra Locksmith is licensed, bonded and insured and offers friendly and professional locksmith services.

It can really put a damper on your day if you lock your keys in your car. Fortunately, there are a plethora of options and ways to gain entry to your vehicle and get on with your day. Whether you choose a do-it-yourself approach or prefer to entrust the help of a licensed professional, you will feel an instant sense of relief the second you hear the lock on your car unlatch.