How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're fortunate you, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is at risk. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location, 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 family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from happening again. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. make a spare key , they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a place where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people buy a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and won't need to be concerned about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't own a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on the spot. They can also provide advice on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. Be at peace and use these techniques as a last option. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately call 911. The police can assist you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can easily contact them. You could be eligible for free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and explain your problem. You can receive tips on how to get into your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
Getting locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a tiny window open. This could allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. It can be kept in your purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can help. Many dealers will give you a temporary key so that you can return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership and some other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood that you'll get locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your car. You could also leave an extra with a nearby family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you're locked out of the vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have and the coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back in the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, you will have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.