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. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel panicked and helpless.
If you're fortunate, a family member or friend will have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting 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, but the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. he said will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child locked inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your location to either break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods might not work with the latest models due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the end! You can also store them in a location where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from needing roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on site. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car quickly, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. You can seek assistance from the police or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call the towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and let them know about your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Check all the windows and doors if you're not sure how to unlock your car. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which can sometimes allow you access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you must be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. Most dealers will provide you with an emergency key so you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help make it less likely that you will be locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody says that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. 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 vehicle. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not, you'll be required pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.