What To Do When You're Locked Out And Separated From Your ID
Posted on: 17 January 2023
When you're locked out of your home or car, your first step is to call someone who can let you in. If you're a renter, that's your management office, and if a family member or roommate is available and has a key, you call them. If you're on your own, however, you call a locksmith, who will want to verify that you're the person who actually owns the car or lives in the home. Of course, if your ID is locked in the home or car, that could be difficult. However, it's not impossible, and there are ways to prove who you are.
The Locksmith Makes an Initial Judgment Call
First, the locksmith has to make an initial judgment call about whether to help you or not. As you're waiting for the locksmith, see if you can find people who can vouch for your identity, such as a neighbor who can show the locksmith their ID and prove they're really a neighbor and not an accomplice. The neighbor can verify that you live in your house or that the car in the driveway is yours. Another method is to show the locksmith that you can get your ID immediately and show them once the door has been unlocked. If your purse and ID are in your car on the seat, you can show the locksmith that once the door is open, you'll be able to show your ID. Be aware that the locksmith has to be careful; maybe someone left their purse on their car seat, and you're a thief getting ready to grab it and run. The locksmith may want to get the ID out of the purse themselves.
Checking Knowledge of the Car or House
Once the locksmith opens everything up, you have to immediately get proof that you're a legitimate customer. And remember, seeing your name isn't enough. The locksmith needs to see a picture ID to prove it's really you. If you want them to let you into your house, tell them where your ID is or where pictures are to show you're you. You'll still have to show your official ID, but the sooner you can get some sort of proof to the locksmith, the better. If you need to get your ID from another room, tell the locksmith what they'll see once they open the door. Assuming the curtains are closed (meaning no one can simply look inside through a window and see), if your description matches what the locksmith sees, that can help. Note that some locksmiths might not agree to this method. It helps to ask the locksmith when you call how they'll verify your identity if your ID is not with you.
Relocking if You Can't Produce ID
If you can't produce ID, the locksmith has every right to relock the car or home and keep you out. This may be very annoying to you, but think about how you'd feel if someone were trying to break into your home by posing as you and calling a locksmith. You'd be grateful if the locksmith would lock things back up to keep your car or home safe.
For more information, contact a local company like Guilford Locksmithing, Inc.
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