How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally close the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If auto key spares , they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. This could include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also store them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this, keep a spare at home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of calling for roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and even create you new keys right on the spot. They will also offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car quickly, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open the car without keys. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is important to remain calm and only employ these tricks only as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you're stuck on a highway. The police will be able assist you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is in your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. They will give you advice on how to get in your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
Being locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to asking for help. Check all the doors and windows if you are not sure how to unlock your car. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which may allow access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the repair costs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can help. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. They will probably need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance that you will be locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in a pinch. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle 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 some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Others, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. It is recommended to avoid using the police and try other ways of getting back into your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.