Instead Explore Your Options
Many modern vehicles are built with automatic safety features that keep you from locking your keys in the car. Some have services like OnStar that can open the car remotely. The problem is that many of us are still driving older models and do not yet have these luxuries.
If you are driving an older car and you lock your keys inside, the options available to you include:
Option 1 Calling 911: Many people who wind up with their keys locked in their car call the police to come to their location and help fix the problem. In most cases, the police will be able to unlock the car, but they can also call a tow truck if they cannot. Of course, you will be paying for this service. Calling the police should be a last resort and one that you should use only if you feel that you are in immediate danger.
Option 2 Calling the Dealership: This will mean taking the car to the dealer on a flatbed, which can be costly. Replacing the key through the dealer can also be very expensive depending on the model you drive.
Option 3 Calling Your Locksmith : When you call your locksmith, explain your situation and give them your location. Note that there are scam artists out there who call themselves locksmiths, so you will want to do some research to make sure that you are dealing with a company that has a good reputation.
How Do You Open A Car Door With A Bobby Pin
Opening a car door with a bobby pin is not recommended by the locksmiths at Locksmith Pros. The problem with trying to use a bobby pin will result in damage to the lock. The result of trying to unlock your vehicle with a bobby pin is that you will damage the lock and it will cost you more in the end. Having a professional locksmith at your service also means knowing that if you do accidentally lock your keys in your vehicle there is always help when you need it.
Ask An Expert: What Should You Avoid Doing During A Traffic Stop
Gustavo MayenLawyer and Sole Proprietor of the Law Office of Gustavo Mayen
Dont move around in the vehicle before the police officer gets to you. Wait until the officer arrives to the car, then when he/she asks you for license and registration, let them know where it is at, and ask if you can reach for it. For the most part, the officer is only trying to do his/her job, and their own safety is paramount, so do not give them a reason for them to become more careful of your actions.Another thing people should not do is offer information that has not been requested, or try to explain themselves in certain situations, as these statements could be used against them if the stop becomes a criminal case or even a civil case if it is something like excessive speeding.
What do cops see when they run my license plate?
When the police put your license plate info in their database, they can see basic info about the car and driver, including the cars make and model and info available on your drivers license. The main reason cops check plates is to see if the driver has any current or outstanding driving or criminal charges, such as a suspended license or arrest warrant.
Cops can also pull up info about the driver who registered the vehicle, including license status. That means a cop can pull you over and see you have an expired license or a restricted license. They can also pull your plate numbers before pulling you over and stop you because they see your license is expired.
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Can The Police Unlock My Car For Free
Getting locked outside of your car door can be very tricky and challenging. Thats why you need to find a way to solve that problem as quickly as you can. The challenge here is that you dont really have those tools you need on you, so it can be hard to solve the issue. And thats why it can make sense to call the police. The thing is, can they unlock your car or not?
No, the police cant unlock your car for free
Its not possible for them to lock the vehicle of any person without a good reason. The only time the police can unlock your car door is in the case of an emergency as roadside assistance for example. That means sometimes when a child is stuck inside or if a person is inside without any means to get out. However, more often than not the police wont unlock a car, and thats the negative response you will hear all the time. It might not seem a challenge at first, but it definitely becomes one when you want to unlock your car yet you cant do it yourself without spare key.
Why are they not allowed to unlock your car?
The truth about unlocking cars is that the police is notlegally allowed to unlock vehicles. They dont have any legal reasons why theycan do that, unless they come with a warrant. Thats normal, standard policeprocedure and more often than not you will be unable to do anything about asituation like this. What we encourage you to do is to find an alternativesolution that might be able to assist in a situation like this.
What can you do?
Buy A Car With Benefits
Some cars wont lock with the power-lock button if the key is in the ignition and a door is open. Also, many vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury have a door-mounted keypad that lets you tap in a code to unlock the door. If you drive a vehicle with a telematics system such as GMs OnStar, Hyundais Blue Link, or Mercedes-Benzs Mbrace, you can call a toll-free number to have your car remotely unlocked. Those systems also offer free apps that let smart-phone owners unlock the doors. Check automaker websites for compatible phones and specifics.
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What Should I Do During A Traffic Stop
As soon as you see the sirens, slow down, put on your turn signal and pull over to a safe spot. Turn off any music or GPS, and turn on the light in your car if its dark out. Stay in your car unless the officer asks you to exit.
Keep your hands in plain sight or on the steering wheel, and ask any passengers to do the same for safety. If youre extra cautious, sometimes its a good idea to wait until the officer asks for your license, insurance and registration before rifling through your glovebox. Otherwise a cop might think youre looking for a weapon or stashing evidence.
Be polite and direct if the cop asks you questions. If the officer asks why they pulled you over, its often a good idea to say you dont know. Otherwise you could be giving the cop evidence of exactly how fast you were going, for example, or admit to a traffic violation the cop isnt aware of.
Tip Number Six: Use A Coat Hanger
Youve probably seen this method in movies, but it works in real life too. Of course, it all depends on the type of your lock. Try sliding the hanger between your window and the weather stripping. Once you manage to do it, find the control arm, and try pulling it to unlock your car. It may or may not work, depending on your car model.
Of course, if youre in the middle of a road somewhere, chances are you dont have access to a coat hanger, making this method impossible to pull off.
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Why Choose A Car Locksmith And Not A Car Dealership
Not only do we offer much lower rates than that of your local car dealership, we offer something that they very likely do not: roadside assistance. No matter where you are or what time of day it is, we can meet you and help you back to wherever it is that you are going. Our technicians carry their tools with them, so there is no need for you to pay for a costly tow truck ride, not to mention the time it may take at a dealership or mechanic. Dealers and mechanics typically work 9-5, off holidays and weekends. We are truly a 24/7 mobile locksmith company ready whenever you need us.
If you are trapped in the middle of nowhere and trying to get back on the road, contact our emergency locksmith services today!
Is Roadside Assistance The Same As Towing
The short answer is No. For the most part, roadside assistance helps you get your car moving. After the service providers have come to your aid, you will leave the scene while driving your carproblems such as fuel refill or flat tire. On the other hand, Towing means that someone will come and drive off with your car in a flatbed. When asking for roadside assistance, it doesnt necessarily mean a car tow.
Towing only happens when you request it as a roadside assistance service. When ordering roadside assistance, all you will need is a professional mechanic who will check your car and fix all its issues. Towing mostly happens when a car has significant problems and the mechanic cant repair it all on the roadside.
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What Do I Do If I Locked My Keys In The Car
Rest assured that its getting far more difficult for consumers to get locked out of their cars, as most transponder keys wont allow that to happen, according to Mark Takahashi, senior reviews editor at Edmunds. Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader, agrees: The idea of locking keys in cars is becoming a thing of the past. If you do get locked out, calling a locksmith, roadside assistance service, or the police might be your best bet, depending on the situations urgency, Moody notes.
Should You Call 911 If Your Car Breaks Down
Adulting means that there will come a time when youll end up stranded in the middle of the road and might need assistance. It can be frustrating having your car break down on the road or have your keys locked inside your vehicle. We all prefer that our cars break down on a sunny day in the city with many mechanic shops around us, and we have plenty of time to repair it, but thats not always the case.
The first service you should call when your car breaks down is Mach1. Mach1 is a non-emergency road assistance service. The company has partnered with over 50,000 companies and businesses that have services like towing and mechanic services. Instead of calling 911or the police when your car breaks down, call Mach1 for an efficient and quick rescue.
911 calls are for emergencies that include someones life being in danger. For something such as a car breaking down, you shouldnt bother 911 not unless you have zero options. A car breaking down has an easy solution if you have the right roadside assistance companies in your reach.
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How Do You Unlock A Car With A Hanger
The coat hanger method is a classic youve probably seen it used in a few movies. Like the shoelace trick, this method only works on older vehicles with manual locks. All you will need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers. Use the pliers to unravel the coat hanger so you have one side hooked and one thats straight, says Laura Gonzales, a marketing manager at Audi Bellevue. Youre going to slide the coat hanger between the window and the weather stripping. Once the hook is below the window, you can start fishing around for the control arm. Once you find it, pull up with the hook and your door will open. FYI, thats not the only secret your locksmith wont tell you.
Your Rights As A Driver Or Passenger
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What Do The Conditions Mean For Police
It means the police can and likely will search your cellphone if they believe searching its contents may be relevant to why you were arrested. It means they can search your cellphone, but they have to follow certain rules. If you were arrested, and your phone is unlocked or is not protected with a password, it would not be unreasonable for police to flip through the pictures or text messages inside if they believe doing so forms part of their investigation.
You cant really refuse a police search once you have been arrested without risking further charges, but what you can do is remain silent. So what if your phone was locked and police are demanding the password. If you choose to remain silent, what options do police have if they are committed to searching your phone?
What Are The Laws If An Officer Pulls Me Over
The rights of drivers and passengers that kick in after a traffic stop can vary by state laws, as can the legal outcomes of specific situations such as a routine traffic stop that escalates to an arrest.
For example, an officer needs a reason, called reasonable suspicion, to pull you over in the first place. That can be anything from speeding or not signaling a turn to having expired plates or a broken tail light. And cops also need probable cause to search you or your car during a traffic stop.
Keep in mind a few key protections and how they apply if youre stopped by police.
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Call Your Insurance Company
This might sound like an unlikely option to some, but calling your insurance company to help you when your keys are locked in your car is always a viable method. Keep in mind that not all auto insurance providers offer this service as a part of your insurance plan. In most cases, you will have to include emergency roadside coverage in your plan.
Emergency roadside coverage usually means that your insurance company will be able to send someone out to assist you, or they will end up covering the cost you incur when you call a car locksmith. How much does a locksmith cost? Well, the answer to that varies, but if you have roadside coverage as a part of your plan, your insurance provider will be able to assist you. All you will have to do is provide them with a receipt that details the service rendered.
Lockout Apps And Roadside Assistance
Some automakers offer smartphone apps you can use to access your vehicle during a lockout. For example, with an OnStar subscription from General Motors, you can use an app to remotely unlock your Buick, Cadillac,Chevrolet, or GMC. BMW and Hyundai offer similar apps, as do several other automakers. Visit the website of your car manufacturer to see if a downloadable lockout app is available.
There’s another way in which carmakers can provide aid during a lockout: If you have a new or certified pre-owned vehicle, your car’s automaker may offer free roadside assistance for the first few years of ownership. In many cases, this service covers lockouts. If you own a vehicle that was purchased new or as part of a certified pre-owned program, check the manufacturer’s website to see if you’re eligible for roadside assistance.
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Makeshift Wedge And Coathanger
If you dont have a wedge and probe, you can carry a metal coathanger with you. Use the wedge just as you did in the previous tip. As long as the surface is tapered and dense enough to withstand the pressure, you shouldnt have any problems. Bend the metal coathanger to fit the shape of the lock, pull it up, and youll have access to your vehicle.
How Do You Unlock A Car With A Cell Phone
Thanks to a growing number of car apps for your smartphone, you can unlock your car without breaking the bankor a window. Many new vehicles offer free Apple and Android apps that allow drivers to control their cars sans keys. The apps turn smartphones into second key fobs, so users can lock, unlock, and even start their cars remotely. The key is to pair with the app before you lock yourself out, Takahashi says. If you own a new car model from Hyundai, GM/Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Ford, or Honda, install the manufacturers app for the next time your keys get locked in the car. Here are more hidden car features you might not realize you have.
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How Do You Unlock A Car With A Wedge
To unlock a car without keys like a pro, invest in an automotive toolkit with a curved or inflatable window wedge. Just be aware that using a wedge to unlock a car can be a little tricky, warns Bill Evans, manager of J& E Auto Body in Clark, New Jersey. Start by pulling the top of the door frame out with a pry tool and pushing the wedge in to hold the door frame out. Then, using a long, skinny rod , push the unlock button. Triple A drivers and tow truck drivers usually do it this way, and that is how we do it also, says Evans. This trick works on both old and new car models.
But there is a downside. Even the experienced people will scratch the paint or tear the weather stripping during this process, Evans says. You may need to see a body shop to realign the top of the door frame since sometimes they remain bent out away from the body after the wedge is used. Make sure the repair costs are worth it before using a wedge to get yourself out of your locked keys in car debacle.