How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they might even bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child locked in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long run! You can also put them in a location where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on site. They can also provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back into your vehicle quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening your car without a key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only use these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on an expressway. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle 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. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about the issue. You can also get advice on how to enter your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the doors and windows. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which can sometimes give you 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 cause damage to the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the repair costs therefore, you must be cautious when using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in a wallet or purse, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. make spare car key near me leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare keys, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, such as AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a risky location. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different way to get back into the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.