How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be extremely stressful, but the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring a spare car key . If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This could include items like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key 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 easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to put your keys in your car at one time or another. If you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key at home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallets or purses in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on-site. They will also offer suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as the last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on a highway. You can seek assistance from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. You could be eligible for free assistance. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window open, which could allow access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to your car's locks. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies do not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be careful before making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see whether they can help out. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with someone who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to help out in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance 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 can't unlock your vehicle, you should always contact emergency services only if it is a immediate risk. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and instead try alternative methods of getting to your car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.