How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle only to realize that you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't completely focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they may bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at least be able to help you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, a child, or anyone's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency team 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 best to wait for help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. They can help you save a great deal of stress in the long term! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at one time or another. Whether you were in a rush or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and can even create you new keys on the spot. They can also give you tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY options to open the car without keys. These include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These options are dangerous, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these tricks as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on the highway. The police will be able assist you, or can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or you know it so that you can quickly contact them. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and let them know about your problem. You can get tips on how to get into your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
Locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be hazardous so it is important to check your surroundings before calling for help. Examine all doors and windows if unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. But, spare car key fob isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can assist. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in a pinch. You may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove box to help you quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone when you're locked out of your car.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your car, you should always call for emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back in the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you will be required pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.