How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you, someone in your family or a friend may have an extra key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we are chatting with 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 vehicle. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening, such as 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 recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert 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 can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on your desk in a snap and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of calling for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and can even create keys for you immediately. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening cars without keys, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. Be at peace and use these tricks as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on a highway. The police will be able to assist you, or may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is in your phone or you know it in order to quickly contact them. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. They will give you advice for getting into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. Check all the windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your car. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes let you gain access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can store it in a purse or wallet or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. make a spare key may require proof of ownership as well as other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes you can hide on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with someone who lives near by or a family member who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you are locked out of the vehicle.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have as well as your coverage plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used 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, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.