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. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can allow access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
It is possible to shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If not, they'll at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If spare key replacement isn't dangerous It is better to seek assistance from family or friends before trying to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles, as they have specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long term! You can also store them in a location where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at one moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation ensure that you keep a spare key in a secure place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create you new keys right on the spot. They'll also be able to offer tips on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you promptly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open cars without keys like a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you must immediately call 911. The police can assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. Many of these services are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is programmed 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 the non-emergency police line and let them know about the issue. They can provide you with tips for getting into your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
Getting locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. You should always check the surroundings before calling for help particularly in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your car, it is essential to examine all the doors and windows. You may have left a tiny window open. This could allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire if they are able to help. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help make it less likely that you will lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help in a pinch. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box so that you can quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you are locked out of the vehicle.
If you don't have a spare keys or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, 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 when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and look for other ways of getting back into your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your costs, but be sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll need pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.