How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If not, you may require an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they might even bring an extra car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist with other tools to open your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's security is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky It is better to seek assistance from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your car without causing damage to the lock and even create new keys right on the spot. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you promptly and at a low cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY alternatives to open a car without the key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these methods as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on a highway. You can get help from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. Many of these services can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is in your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You might be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be dangerous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the windows and doors. page may have left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks of your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. It can be kept in a wallet or purse or purchase an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to help. Many dealers will give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the chance that you will be locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You could leave a spare to a close family member or friend who could be able to help you in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you're locked out of your vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Other companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle You should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid using the police and instead try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover your costs, but be sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.