What to Do When You've Locked Yourself Out

Feeling anxious in moments like these is normal, but staying calm is critical to avoid further trouble. Before you start dialing 911, calling a friend, or reaching out to the dealership, take a moment to check if any of the doors or the trunk might be unlocked. Panicking can sometimes lead us to do drastic things like breaking windows or even the windshield to get back in. Trust us, it happens, and avoiding that kind of hassle is best.

Let us ask you a question: do you happen to know where your spare key is? It's worth giving it some thought because someone might swing by your place and bring it to you. Investing in a replacement key is a smart move that can save you a lot of hassle in the long run, and you'll be grateful to have it. If you don't have a spare, you might be able to get a temporary key from the dealership but remember that you'll need a friend to give you a ride there. If you go down this path, remember to bring the necessary paperwork, like vehicle identification. And just a heads up, this might not be an option if you have a keyless model.

It's a smart move to double-check if your insurance policy includes roadside assistance. Just give your insurance agent a quick call, and you'll be all set in case of an emergency. Keep in mind that not all car insurance policies automatically include roadside assistance. However, if you ever find yourself locked out of your vehicle, your insurance company might be able to send a locksmith your way, which your policy could cover. If, by some chance, you do have a roadside assistance policy, it's a good idea to snap a picture of it with your phone so you always have it handy. Roadside assistance often covers a locked-out vehicle, and it's usually one of the more affordable features. The cost of calling a tow truck to unlock your car can vary based on your location and travel time. You might want to consider a service like AAA to ensure you're always covered when locking your keys in the car. They'll unlock your vehicle as part of your membership, which can be cost-effective.

Tow professionals are experts at what they do and always come equipped with the right tools for the job. One handy tool they use is a pump wedge, which makes opening car doors a breeze. Now, most of us don't just have a pump wedge lying around, but here's a clever workaround: you can use a blood pressure cuff to help unlock your door. If you don't have one handy, maybe a friend or a family member does and can bring it to you. The great thing about a blood pressure cuff is that it's sturdy enough to handle the pressure without tearing. Here's what you do: start by gently sliding the deflated blood pressure cuff into the top corner of the driver's side door. Then, carefully inflate the cuff until it creates a small gap, allowing you to create an opening in the vehicle. Be sure not to overinflate it, as that could damage the door. Once you've got that gap, you can use a wire coat hanger or something similarly long and skinny to reach the unlock button. It might take a bit of maneuvering, but it's worth being careful not to damage the door – repairing that could cost you quite a bit!

Once again, if you've bought your vehicle from Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM and are locked out, don't worry – we're here to assist you! Just arrange for someone to give you a lift to our dealership, and we'll take care of you with a spare key. Our commitment to our customers is unwavering, and we're always ready to lend a hand. And if you're in the market for a new vehicle, we've got you covered there, too! Our extensive selection includes new and pre-owned Jeep, Dodge, and Ram models, waiting for you to explore and test drive. Feel free to chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates, who can provide you with all the information you need. If you'd like, we can even accompany you on the test drive to ensure you experience all the features firsthand. Can't make it to the dealership right now? No problem – you can browse our entire inventory on our website. We're here to make your automotive journey as convenient and enjoyable as possible.