Lockouts are not only inconvenient, they can be rather distressing to go through given that you are left grounded for an amount of time before you find a solution. There are many different lockout situations, and a certified locksmith is your best option for getting out of most of them. This is why it's important to have a reliable professional locksmith's number in your phone, so that they can get to you as soon as possible. The following are some instances that a locksmith can help you with.

Vehicle lockouts

Whether you've lost your keys or locked them inside the car, vehicle lockouts are emergencies. Sometimes you may have left the engine running or left valuables in the vehicle. You can easily damage your lock by trying to jimmy it yourself, and such damage won't be covered under your insurer since it was deliberately caused. If you're close to home, you can send for your spare set of keys. If not, use the Internet to find a reliable locksmith that's close to where you are, and have them come over to get your doors open without causing damage. The locksmith will ask you to identify yourself to ensure that you're not breaking into someone else's car.

Residential lockouts

Different home security systems present different challenges when you have lost access. Begin by looking around the house for a way you can get in e.g. a window that was open. If you're keen about home security, you'll be unlikely to find a second entry point. Even though lock-picking looks easy on TV, call a locksmith to get the lock open without damaging either door or lock.

For future purposes, make a spare key and hide in an inconspicuous point e.g. under a rock somewhere in the compound. You can also buy fake-rock container, or give it to a trusted neighbour. Talk to the locksmith about installing a key vault – a tumbler found in a combination padlock.  Don't put your spare key in your mailbox or under your mat, as these are the first places a thief might look. Ensure your hiding spot is hidden from plain view so that a person won't see you retrieving the key.

Business lockouts

Business premises are extra-sensitive because lockouts may mean disruption of several businesses. These occur less often since multiple people have keys. However, having a locksmith's number is important because you can still get stranded as a result of a damaged lock. You will also have to show your identification before the locksmith can open the lock for you. For the future, consider having keyless systems e.g. biometric locks or electronic code locks which grant access depending on codes or identity. Such systems are better for large group access.