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 overwhelmed and insecure.
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'll need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or a friend
It is possible to shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't completely focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use items like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child locked in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to call 911 immediately. They can dispatch 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 risky It is better to seek assistance from friends or family members before trying to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work with the latest models, as they have specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from happening again. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create keys for you on the spot. They can also give you advice on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last option. Contact replacing car keys without spare if have pets or children in your vehicle or if you're stuck on an expressway. The police will be able help you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is set into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily contact them. They may even offer to help you out for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a dangerous environment. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for help. Examine all doors and windows if you are unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a small window slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be aware before making use of any kind of device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to help out in a pinch. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you're locked out of the vehicle.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, such as AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a risky place. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.