What to Do In Different Lockout Situations

“I can’t get into my home because I can’t find my key. What am I supposed to do?”

“My car key is locked inside my car, right in front of me! How can I get inside without breaking a window?”

“I just arrived to my office but can’t find my key. Can someone get me inside?”

If these are questions that have come up, then you have come to the right place. Whether you are facing an auto, residential, or commercial lockout, there is a solution for you. The solution might be easier than you think, too. In some cases, you are going to need a locksmith to help you during a lockout, but this isn’t necessarily the only option. Here, you can find information on what to do in different lockout scenarios.

Of course, in terms of a lockout, each situation is different. We will discuss auto, commercial and residential lockouts so that you have a better idea of how to handle each situation, but keep in mind that some steps apply to any lockout.

Auto Lockout Tips

Car lockouts are quite common. Perhaps you have AAA and can get in this way. But for many, they don’t even consider using a service like AAA until something goes wrong. Then, they realize that they should have gotten a service like this. One thing we recommend doing is checking the passenger door or a back door to make sure that it is not unlocked. In some cases you might think you are locked out but then realize that another door was open the entire time. Does someone have a spare transponder key? This is another question to ask. While having roadside assistance that covers lockouts is great, some don’t have this. So if you tried another door, called but couldn’t reach the person with your spare key, and don’t have roadside assistance covering lockouts, try a locksmith.

Apartment Lockout Tips

Maybe you reside in a rental unit. In this case, you might actually have some luck if you get locked out. Perhaps, the person who lives right next door to you or someone else in your building has a key that you trusted them with. Or maybe you have a 24/7 number you can call in the event that something like this ever happens. Perhaps you have a roommate that has a key and can get you in. Whether you opt to use emergency maintenance or have the option of going over to the front desk at your leasing office, apartment lockouts can be resolved without calling a locksmith. But if your community doesn’t have an option you can use, maybe because it’s the middle of the night, give a local locksmith a call.

Single Family Home Lockout Tips

These tips are somewhat similar to the ones provided above for renters. In addition to trying a neighbor who might have a copy of your key, always double check other doors. Maybe your patio door was left unlocked, for example, even if this was not done intentionally. If need be, have a local locksmith come out.

Business Property Lockout Tips

Locked out of the place you work? Whether this is a dream come true (we are joking, of course) or a very stressful situation, there are options. For example, if you are not the only one who has a copy of the key, see if someone else is available who can get you in. If this isn’t an option, you might have to reach out to a locksmith.

Prevent Lockouts/Be Prepared

Here are some steps to take to try to avoid another lockout…

Have a Locksmith in Mind. Do your research in advance so if a situation comes up, you have a locksmith in mind already. Doing your research in advance can mean the difference between having someone in mind who is insured and licensed versus having someone come to you who isn’t necessarily covered. You also want to make sure you have access to 24/7 emergency services. Checking feedback from other customers is a good idea, too.

Here’s how to stop a lockout…

Keyless Entry System Installation – Invest in a keyless entry system! If you only have to have a code in mind, you can avoid lockouts because all you have to do is enter the right code and if you forget it, you can call someone you trusted with the code. A locksmith can help you to go keyless.

Have a Key Copy – Make sure to have a copy of your key made. This is completely affordable and absolutely worth doing. You might want to do this so you are prepared in the event of an emergency, anyway. For example, maybe your car breaks down and you can’t get home for a few hours, but you have a dog at home that needs to be taken outside and fed. If a trusted neighbor or friend has a copy of your key, not only can they help in a situation like this, but they can help you to avoid being locked out.

If you found yourself asking, “How can I get back inside my house when I can’t find my key?” or anything similar to this, then we hope you have found the provided information to be useful. The solution might be easier than you think, at least, this might be your thought process after reading the provided information. In certain conditions, you are going to require the aid of an expert, such as a locksmith to help you during a lockout. But other scenarios can be resolved by following the provided steps.

Getting locked out is a problem, and whether you are here because it happened to you or someone you care about, you know that it can be very nerve-wracking. But now you have the information you need to better handle different lockout situations and you even know steps to take to avoid lockouts in the first place. Just don’t forget that qualified, specialized local locksmiths offer lockout help!