By Zoe Caleb
Locking yourself out of your home or car is a frustrating and often anxiety-inducing experience. It’s a situation that usually happens at the worst possible moment—when you’re in a rush, far from spare keys, or even late at night. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to regain access quickly and safely, without unnecessary stress. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if you ever find yourself locked out of your home or car.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most crucial step is to stay calm. In moments of stress, it’s easy to panic or make hasty decisions that might lead to costly mistakes, such as breaking a window or damaging the lock. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. If it’s a car lockout, consider where you’re parked. If it’s a home lockout, take stock of your surroundings and see if there are any obvious alternatives for entry.
Remaining calm also helps you think more clearly and evaluate all possible options without rushing into decisions you might regret later.
2. Check All Accessible Entry Points
If you’re locked out of your home, go around the property and check for any open windows or doors that you might have missed. Sometimes a back door or a window may be left slightly ajar, allowing you a way back in without the need for professional help. Similarly, if you’re locked out of your car, check all the doors to ensure none of them are unlocked. It’s surprising how often people assume they’re locked out, only to discover that a different door is accessible.
However, if you decide to enter through a window, make sure it’s safe to do so. Climbing through windows or attempting to force them open could result in injuries, so proceed with caution and avoid unnecessary risks.
3. Contact Family or Neighbors for Spare Keys
One of the simplest solutions is to reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor who might have a spare key. Many people leave a duplicate key with someone they trust for situations just like this. If you’re locked out of your car, think about whether anyone has a spare car key or if you have a valet key stored at home. Similarly, a trusted neighbor may have a copy of your house key if you’ve made prior arrangements.
While it’s tempting to hide spare keys around your property, consider that this can also pose a security risk. In future, storing keys with a trusted person is typically safer than hiding them outside, where they can be easily found.
4. Use Any Available Mobile Apps or Services for Keyless Entry
In recent years, technological advancements have made it possible to unlock some vehicles and homes using mobile apps. If you drive a car with a keyless entry system, check if the manufacturer has a mobile app that can unlock the vehicle remotely. Brands like Tesla, BMW, and Hyundai, among others, offer smartphone apps that allow you to lock and unlock your car doors, provided you’ve set it up beforehand.
Similarly, some smart home systems, like August or Yale locks, allow remote access through a mobile app. If you have a smart lock installed on your home, open the app on your smartphone and use it to unlock the door. This option can save time and eliminate the need for outside help, but it’s essential to have these systems set up and familiarized before an emergency occurs.
5. Call a 24/7 Professional Locksmith
If you’re unable to find an alternative entry and don’t have access to a spare key, calling a professional locksmith is often the most effective solution. A 24/7 locksmith can arrive promptly, regardless of the time, and help you regain entry without causing damage to your locks or property. Professional locksmiths are trained to handle a variety of locks, from traditional to modern electronic ones, and have specialized tools to open doors efficiently and safely.
Many locksmiths offer emergency services, which means they can arrive within minutes, depending on your location. It’s always wise to have the contact information of a reputable local locksmith saved on your phone in case of emergencies.
6. Avoid DIY Attempts That May Cause Damage
It’s tempting to try and solve the problem yourself, especially if you’ve seen various “lock-picking” techniques on the internet. However, DIY attempts, particularly on car locks or high-security home locks, can easily result in damage. Trying to pick a lock, use improvised tools, or force doors open can break the lock mechanism, leading to a more costly repair. Certain types of locks are complex and require specialized knowledge to open without causing harm.
Leave the intricate work to professionals who have the right tools and expertise to unlock your doors without damaging them. Attempting DIY fixes often turns a simple lockout into a more extensive and expensive repair.
7. Prevent Future Lockouts with Key Management Solutions
Once you’ve managed to get back inside your home or car, take a few steps to prevent this situation from happening again. Consider investing in a key management solution, such as:
- Smart Locks: Installing smart locks on your doors allows you to unlock them with a code or smartphone app. This removes the need for physical keys and reduces the risk of being locked out.
- Key Holder or Key Safe: Install a lockbox or key safe in a hidden, secure area outside your home. These devices use combination locks to store spare keys and are generally tamper-resistant, providing a safe backup in case of lockouts.
- Key Tracking Device: Attach a tracking device, like a Tile or Apple AirTag, to your keys so you can locate them if they go missing. Many tracking devices also offer mobile alerts when you leave home without them.
8. Consider Roadside Assistance Services
If you frequently experience car lockouts, it might be beneficial to invest in a roadside assistance service. Many services, like AAA or those offered by car insurance companies, include lockout assistance as part of their plans. Roadside assistance can quickly send someone to help unlock your car door, and the service often covers a range of automotive issues, providing an added layer of security while you’re on the road.
Having this membership also means you’ll have a trusted provider to turn to, which can make a lockout less stressful, knowing that assistance is readily available.
9. Keep a Spare Key in a Discreet and Secure Place
Finally, while the traditional practice of hiding a spare key outside can be risky, there are secure ways to keep a backup key accessible. Avoid common hiding spots like under a doormat or in a flowerpot. Instead, opt for less obvious locations or invest in a high-quality, weatherproof key safe that is securely mounted and hidden from view.
You might also consider keeping a spare key in a discreet pocket of your wallet or handbag, provided it’s safe and unlikely to be lost or stolen. Additionally, if you’re prone to locking yourself out, designate a specific place to store your keys at home to help you develop a routine and minimize the risk of losing them.
