How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you may need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able bring a spare key. If they aren't however, they'll 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, such as the case of an elderly person or a child locked in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring 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 smart key fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long run! You can also keep them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are several DIY options to open your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain at peace and use these tricks as a last resort. If spare keys for cars have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or they may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call spare car key replacement towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your car, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which can sometimes give you access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be aware before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the underside of your car. 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 call your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. They may ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You could also give a spare to a friend who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help you out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
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 less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these tactics can damage your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to be sure to check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, you will be required pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.