How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key to allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they might even bring a spare car key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location, who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's better to seek assistance from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your car. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
If you don't own a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and they can even make you new keys immediately. They can also provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If spare car key maker near me 're a member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car in a short time, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open a car without the key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These options are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these techniques only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you must immediately call 911. You can seek help from the police or can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it in order to quickly contact them. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. You can also call the non-emergency police line and let them know about your issue. You can also get advice on how to get into your car and they'll send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a danger zone. You should always check the surroundings before calling for help particularly if you're in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. Examine all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which can sometimes allow you access.
You could also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be careful before making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Most dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance to get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives close by or a family member who might be able to help out in a pinch. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you are locked out of your vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. However, these techniques could damage your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call for emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and look for other ways of getting back into your car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to be sure to check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you will need pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.