How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a family member or friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like when there is an elderly person or a child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to prevent this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They can save you much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a safe place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. get spare key made can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to be concerned 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 contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on-site. They can also give you advice on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you quickly and at a low cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car quickly, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These options are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these techniques as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without harming it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. You can also call the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. You can receive tips on how to enter your car and they'll send someone if needed.
Locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you're stuck in a dangerous location. Always check the surroundings before calling for help, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your car. It may be that you've left a window open, which could give you access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage your car's locks. It is also important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to reduce the chance to be locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You can also leave one with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
You can call roadside help if you don't own an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you will be required pay for the locksmith or roadside service.