How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're lucky you, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or child trapped inside on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to call 911 immediately. They can send an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! get spare car key made near me 's recommended to store them in a secure place that is accessible, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on-site. They will also offer tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open the car without keys. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These options are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately call 911. The police will be able to assist you, or may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can quickly contact them. You may be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surroundings before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the windows and doors. You may have left a tiny window open. This may let you gain access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be aware before making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can assist. The majority of dealers can 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 chance to lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives close by or a family member who might be able to help you out in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle, you should always call emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free however, it is 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 coverage that covers your costs, but make sure you read the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.