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 insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate that someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key . It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can use items like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, a child, or anyone's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can save you much stress in the long term! You can also keep them in a location that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. Whether you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this situation it is recommended to keep your spare key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even create new keys right on the spot. They can also give you suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car quickly, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening a car without the key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to stay calm and use these tricks only as the last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you are stuck on an expressway. The police can assist you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also call the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous so it is important to check your surroundings before asking for help. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are not sure how to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
You can also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. It can be kept in a wallet or purse or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Many dealers will give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They will probably ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet, or one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You could also give a spare to someone who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider writing 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 are locked out.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have an extra. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, such as AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead find a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.