Parking garages are amenities in urban areas that provide safe and secure vehicle parking spaces. It is a place where you park your car and have peace of mind that nothing will go wrong.
However, parking garages usually have strict operating hours, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself locked out of the garage with your car still inside, which is challenging if you need your car urgently or if it’s late at night and you’re unsure of where to turn for help.
What to Do If a Parking Garage Closes with Your Car Inside
Here’s what to do if a parking garage closes with your car still parked inside:
1. Check for Contact Information
The first thing you should do is look around the garage entrance for any signs that might display emergency contact numbers. Many parking garages provide contact details for situations like these.
Also, check the garage’s website or any emails or receipts you may have received when you parked your car. Usually, these will contain valuable contact information.
2. Call the Garage or Management
Once you have the contact information, call the garage’s management or security team. Explain your situation calmly and ask if they can send someone to open the garage for you.
Be prepared to provide details such as your car’s make, model, color, and license plate number to verify your claim.
3. Contact Building Security
If the parking garage is part of a larger building or complex, try reaching out to the building’s security office. They might have access to the garage or know how to get in touch with someone who can help.
Building security teams usually have protocols for assisting with locked vehicles in garages, so this can be a quick way to resolve the issue.
4. Check Nearby Businesses
Sometimes, nearby businesses or residences may have information on how to access the garage after hours.
For example, if the parking garage is attached to a shopping center or office building, the businesses inside might have relevant contact details or access codes. Politely ask around to see if anyone knows how to reach the garage management.
5. Contact Local Authorities
If you cannot reach anyone from the garage or building management, your next step could be to contact local authorities.
The non-emergency police number might be able to provide advice or assistance.
However, while the police are unlikely to unlock the garage themselves, they might contact the garage owners or provide guidance on what to do next.
6. Plan for an Overnight Stay
If it’s late at night and you cannot retrieve your car immediately, consider making arrangements for alternative transportation home or finding a nearby place to stay.
Public transportation, rideshare services, or taxis can be good options. If you live far from the garage, you might need to find a nearby hotel.
Ensure that you return to the garage as soon as it opens the next day to retrieve your vehicle.
7. Document the Incident
Keep a detailed record of your attempts to contact garage management or security. Note down the times you called, who you spoke to, and the responses you received.
Also, document any expenses incurred due to the inconvenience, such as transportation costs or overnight accommodation. This information might be useful if you need to seek reimbursement later or if you decide to file a complaint.
How to Prevent Your Car From Being Locked in a Closed Parking Garage
To avoid finding yourself in this situation again, consider the following preventive measures:
- Take Note of Operating Hours: Always be aware of the operating hours of the parking garages you use regularly. Make a habit of checking the hours when you park your car.
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or another device to set reminders that will alert you before the garage closes. This can give you ample time to return to your car before the doors are locked.
- Keep Contact Information Handy: Save the contact information for the garage management and any emergency numbers in your phone. Having this information readily available can save time if you ever need it again.
- Choose 24-Hour Parking: When possible, go for 24-hour parking facilities if you know you might be out late. These garages provide greater flexibility and reduce the risk of being locked out.
- Communicate with the Garage Management: If you know you might be returning after hours, contact the garage management in advance to discuss options. They may be able to provide a solution, such as a temporary passcode or access card.
Conclusion
Finding out that your car is locked inside a closed parking garage can be an inconvenient and stressful experience, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can go through the situation with greater ease and confidence.
You can start by checking the garage’s operating hours and contacting management for assistance. Use posted emergency numbers and seek help from on-site security personnel or local authorities if necessary.
Above all, ensure your safety is not jeopardized while resolving the issue. It’s much better to take preventive measures, such as noting operating hours, setting reminders, and choosing 24-hour parking options, to reduce the likelihood of the situation occurring in the future.
