How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're fortunate you, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It's also important to know that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from occurring again. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the future! You can also store them in a location that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at one time or another. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at your desk in a snap and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys immediately. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services are able to help you get into your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening a car without the key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, you must immediately dial 911. You can get help from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of that it is able to contact them easily. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about the issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
Getting locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous so it is important to check your surroundings before asking for help. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You can also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. spare car key cost could also leave a spare with someone who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to help out in the event of a crisis. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove box so that you can quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you are locked out of the car.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these methods can damage your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle You should always call emergency assistance only if there is a immediate risk. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back in the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover the cost, but you should make sure you read the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll need pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.