How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're lucky you, a family member or friend has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll require a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If they can't however, they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or child stuck in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. getting a spare key for my car can dispatch an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is accessible, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this happening ensure that you keep an extra key in a safe location at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on site. They will also offer suggestions 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 cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car quickly, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY options to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as the last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able to assist you, or can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call an towing service. Many of these services can open your car's door without causing damage. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or you know it in order to quickly contact them. You might be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and explain your problem. They can provide you with tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. Check all the doors and windows if you are unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which may give you access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be careful before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out if they are able to help. Many dealers will provide you with an emergency key so you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood to be locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave one with a nearby family member or friend who may be able help you in a hurry. You could also think about writing 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.
If you don't have a spare keys or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and the coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.