Short answer: A little planning turns a stressful lockout into a minor inconvenience. Here's how to be ready before it happens.
A little planning turns a stressful lockout into a minor inconvenience. Here's how to be ready before it happens.
Make and stash spares
Cut spare keys for your home and car and store them somewhere reliable, such as with a trusted family member or in a quality lockbox. For cars, a spare avoids the costlier all-keys-lost scenario entirely. The best time to make a spare is before you ever need it.
Know your options in advance
Identify a reputable local or mobile locksmith and save the contact before an emergency, checking reviews and, where applicable, licensing while you have time. Deciding calmly beats searching in a panic on the roadside. Keep the number somewhere you can reach without your keys or wallet.
Use technology wisely
Smart locks with backup codes, and vehicle apps that unlock remotely, can save you during a lockout, but only if set up and tested ahead of time. Make sure batteries are fresh and you remember your codes. Technology helps most when you have prepared it in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make and stash spares?
Cut spare keys for your home and car and store them somewhere reliable, such as with a trusted family member or in a quality lockbox. For cars, a spare avoids the costlier all-keys-lost scenario entirely. The best time to make a spare is before you ever need it.
Know your options in advance?
Identify a reputable local or mobile locksmith and save the contact before an emergency, checking reviews and, where applicable, licensing while you have time. Deciding calmly beats searching in a panic on the roadside. Keep the number somewhere you can reach without your keys or wallet.
Use technology wisely?
Smart locks with backup codes, and vehicle apps that unlock remotely, can save you during a lockout, but only if set up and tested ahead of time. Make sure batteries are fresh and you remember your codes. Technology helps most when you have prepared it in advance.
How do I get help with this?
Call (877) 315-7116 and describe the situation, your exact location, and what you need. Timing is confirmed on that call rather than promised in advance.
Call for help: (877) 315-7116 — a straight answer and an honest estimate before any work begins.