Most people will accidentally lock their keys in their vehicle at some point, and it’s easy to panic and damage your vehicle trying to gain entry. The good news is that help during a lockout is usually only a phone call away, and with a little patience, following these tips will help get you back on the road sooner rather than later.

3 Tips for Handling a Lockout

1. Stay Calm & Think

Panicking is a normal reaction, but if you stay calm, you might think of an easy and obvious solution. For example, is a spare key available? Call a friend and ask for a ride to retrieve the spare key. Double-check all doors to make sure none are unlocked. Are any windows partially rolled down? It might be possible to insert a wire hanger or stick to unlock the door based on its type of locking mechanism but be careful you don’t damage the cuff on the window or interior of your car.

2. Use Roadside Assistance

You can call and request professional help at little or no cost if you have roadside assistance. Many car insurance policies offer roadside assistance plans, but you could also qualify for it through your automobile warranty company, credit card, or auto club membership. If you’re uncertain whether you have such a policy, call and ask. It also might be cost-effective to sign up for a roadside assistance program over the phone as lockout benefits often begin immediately upon enrollment. 

3. Move to a Safe Location

Lockouts can happen anywhere and anytime, but if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar location, find a safe place to wait until help arrives. Being stranded can make you vulnerable to opportunistic strangers and traffic. Let a friend or family member know where you are and what is happening. Whether you’ve called a friend or are waiting on roadside assistance, find a restaurant or business nearby where you can comfortably wait.

If you experience a lockout in the St. Louis area, you can depend on the team at Platinum Towing and Transport LLC to provide emergency roadside assistance 24/7. Family-owned and -operated, the towing company also assists with flat tires, jump starts, and light engine work to get you back on the road. Call (314) 300-8694 to ask about roadside assistance today, or visit their website to learn more about their services.