How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
It is possible to close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't completely focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they might be able to provide a spare key. If not however, they'll be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. This could include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, a child or any other person's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency team to your home, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous It is better to seek assistance from family members or friends before you attempt 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 is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this Keep a spare at home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle 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. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you in your car in a short time, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening a car without the key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these techniques as a last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, you should immediately call 911. You can seek assistance from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without harming it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not 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 you should always check your surroundings before calling for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. You might have left a small window slightly open. This can sometimes let you gain access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in a wallet or purse or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they are able to help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to make it less likely that you will get locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave an extra with a family member or friend who may be able help you in a hurry. You may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove box to help you quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you are locked out of your car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Moody says that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should be used only as a last resort.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended not to do so and instead find a different way to get back into the car. If spare remote car key 're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but be sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.