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 your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you, a family member or friend will have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might require a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, a child or any other person's security is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long term! You can also store them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at one time or another. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on your desk in a snap and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on-site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at a low cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as the last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able to assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it in order to easily contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can receive tips on how to get in your vehicle, and they will call someone in case of need.
Getting locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a hazardous location. Always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Examine all windows and doors if you're uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like 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 cost of these repairs, so you should always be careful before making use of any kind of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They will probably require proof of ownership and some other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave one to a close family member or friend who could be able to help you in a moment of need. spare remote car key might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have and your insurance plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another method of getting back into the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.