How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow access to your car. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they'll at the very least help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items such as a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child locked in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately dial 911. They can send an emergency crew to your home, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous It is recommended to seek help from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or cause the warranty to be void. It is important to know that these methods might not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a place where they are easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and will not have to worry about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on-site. They will also be able to provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open cars without keys like a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately call 911. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. You can get tips on how to get in your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the repair costs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. They will probably need to see proof of ownership and some other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can put in the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece paper in the glove box so that you can quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.
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 an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check locked key in car no spare to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.