How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you might require an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able bring a spare key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist with other tools to open your car. You can use items like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It's also important to know that certain methods may not work on newer cars due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is accessible like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some point. Whether you were in a rush or distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this situation it is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on 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 breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and they can even make keys for you on the spot. They'll also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services are able to help you get into your car quickly, but they could cost more than a professional 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 methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately call 911. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. A majority of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know it to be able to reach them easily. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They will give you advice 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 car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be risky, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to asking for help. Check all the doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which can sometimes give access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. you could try this out is not recommended as it can damage the locks on your car. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they are able to help. Many dealers will give you an emergency key so you can get back into your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to make it less likely that you will get locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
If you're unable to unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a risky area. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead find a different way to get back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll be required to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.