How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may 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 a towing service.
1. Contact cheap spare car keys or a friend
It is possible to shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child trapped in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's also important to know that certain methods may not work with the latest models, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! You can also store them in a place that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at one time or another. If you were in a rush or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain they attach 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 don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If get spare key made don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create new keys right on the spot. They will also offer tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. Be calm and only employ these methods as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you must immediately call 911. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without harming it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can reach them easily. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your car, and they will send someone if needed.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a hazardous location. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be dangerous and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you are unsure about how to unlock your car, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which may allow you access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in your purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. They may need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside your vehicle. You can also give a spare to someone who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare keys and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as an emergency.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a risky location. It is recommended to avoid using the police and try other methods of getting back into your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you will be required to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.