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

While it's not common, getting locked out of your vehicle can still happen, especially if you're driving an older car. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, we'd strongly recommend contacting a locksmith, a roadside assistance service, or even the local police if it's a real emergency. The choice of who to get will depend on the seriousness of the situation. But here's some good news: If you're the proud owner of a vehicle from Ourisman Automotive of Virginia, our fantastic team might be able to rescue you! Just give us a call or arrange for a friend to drop you off at our dealership if you're ever facing a vehicle-related issue. We're more than happy to lend a helping hand!

If you find yourself in a high-stress situation, like having a baby or a dog locked in your vehicle, don't hesitate to dial 911 immediately! When you make the call, be ready to provide the operator with details about your car's make, model, and exact location. Emergency services, such as the police and the fire department, will respond more swiftly than a locksmith or roadside assistance. In most cases, the police can either break a window or use a slender metal tool to unlock your door without needing a key. While there's typically no charge for their assistance, it's essential to use this option only in emergencies, as you'll be responsible for repairing any damage to your window. This is why involving the police should be your last resort. Your safety and that of your loved ones always come first.

A service like AAA can be a lifesaver when you accidentally lock your keys in your car. What's great about AAA is that they're on call 24/7, so they've got your back day or night. Even better, AAA members are entitled to one free lockout service yearly, and the coverage amount depends on your membership level. If you are in the unfortunate situation of leaving your keys inside your vehicle, call AAA. Let them know your location, the make and model of your car, and your membership number. Remember, though, that you might need to exercise patience as it could take up to half an hour or more for their assistance to arrive. And remember, if you're not a member, or if this happens more than once, you'll need to cover the costs out of your pocket. Having that AAA membership can come in handy!

Are you trying to avoid the potentially pricey locksmith or roadside assistance call? Well, here's some good news: there are cost-effective ways to unlock your car when you've left your keys inside. However, be prepared to exercise patience and have the right tools handy. One of the more modern and tech-savvy methods involves using your smartphone. Many newer vehicles offer free Apple or Android apps that empower drivers to control their cars remotely, transforming their smartphones into key fobs. To make this work, you must sync your car key with the app before you find yourself locked out. If you own a newer vehicle, our team at Ourisman Automotive of Virginia can assist you in setting up and using this app. Alternatively, you can easily find and install the app from your phone's app store. You can use some DIY tricks for older vehicles without a high-tech solution. You may be able to unlock your car with a shoelace, hanger, wedge, or even a bobby pin. It might not be as high-tech, but it can do the trick in a pinch!

At Ourisman Automotive of Virginia, we take pride in our dedicated and experienced sales team, committed to satisfying all your automotive needs. If you're interested in our services, don't hesitate to reach out. You can kickstart your journey with us by completing the contact form below. And remember, if you happen to be a valued vehicle owner from Ourisman Automotive of Virginia, we've got your back if you lock your keys in your car. Call or arrange for a friend to bring you to our dealership, where we might have a spare key ready to help you unlock your vehicle. Additionally, our exceptional service department is here to assist if your vehicle ever faces any issues. We'll swiftly diagnose the problem, provide the necessary fixes, and have your car back in shape in no time. Making an appointment is easy – you can visit our dealership in person or fill out a form here on our website. We're excited to welcome you to Ourisman Automotive of Virginia and look forward to providing you with outstanding service!