What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car

You close the door and the keys are sitting right there on the seat. I have gotten this call a few thousand times. Here is what actually helps.

First — check everything. All four doors, the trunk. It sounds obvious but people tunnel-vision on the door they just closed. Roughly one in ten times I am already on the way and the customer finds an unlocked door.

Check your roadside assistance before you call anyone. A lot of insurance policies cover lockouts, and so do some credit cards and manufacturer programs. Worth a two-minute check if you are not in a hurry.

If you need someone out there, call a licensed locksmith. We open most vehicles in a few minutes with proper tools and no damage to the door or window. Usually faster than the tow truck and cheaper too.

Put down the coat hanger. Modern car doors have weather stripping, wiring, and sensors near the window channel that are easy to damage from outside. One wrong move and you are looking at a body shop visit on top of the lockout. I have gotten calls from people who already tried and made things worse. The DIY savings are not worth it.

If you are locked out in the Davenport area, call (689) 221-7352. We cover the area 24/7 and usually arrive within 20 to 30 minutes.