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 may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, one of your family members or friends will have an extra key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may close the car door in error 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 or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble. They may be able bring a spare key. If not, they'll at least be able to help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is at risk. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to either break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your car. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They can help you save a great deal of stress in the long term! You can also put them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing when the door is shut.
To avoid this situation it is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on-site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car quickly, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY ways to open the car without keys. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are risky, 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 an option last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on a highway. You can seek help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling an towing service. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it to be able to contact them easily. getting a spare key for my car may be offered free assistance. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. You can get tips on how to get in your vehicle, and they will provide assistance if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. Check all the windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your car. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This may let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. Many dealers will be able to give you a temporary key so that you can get back into your car. They may require proof of ownership along with other personal information so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone when you're locked out of your car.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead try another way to get back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.