How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle only to realize that you've locked the keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Contact spare car key maker or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble. They may be able to bring a spare key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not be compatible with newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at one moment. If you were in a rush or distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and even create new keys right on the spot. They can also provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are a member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. Many of these services can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can call them quickly. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and let them know about the issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
Being locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous and you must examine your surroundings prior to calling for help. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which may allow access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools like a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask whether they can help out. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to reduce the likelihood to be locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a nearby family member or friend who may be able help you in a hurry. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you're locked out of the car.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. The police typically unlock a car for free however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different way to get back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, you'll have to pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.