How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky that a family member or friend will have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a family member or friend
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful however, there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able to bring an extra key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, a child, or anyone's safety is at risk. You can call 911 and they'll send an emergency team to your location to break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't risky It is best to wait for help from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save much stress in the long term! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able open your car without causing damage to the lock and even create you new keys right on the spot. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open cars without keys like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you're stuck on an expressway. The police can help you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to contact an towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it so that you can call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for free. get a spare car key can also call non-emergency police and tell them 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 fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a hazardous area. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Examine all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which may allow you access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools like a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood that you'll get locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave one with a family member or friend who may be able help you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you lock yourself out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few alternatives to unlock your car without calling for roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these tactics can damage your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended not to do so and instead, try a different way to get back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the terms of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.