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 feeling that makes you feel in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you may require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a family member or a friend
It is possible to close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, a child or any other person's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is best to wait for help from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
In order to avoid this happening, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallets or purses in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and will not have to be concerned 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 to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are a member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a cost that is reasonable. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide 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 several DIY options for opening a car without the key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These options are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only employ these tricks as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on the highway. The police can help you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call an towing service. Many of these services can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. You may be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your car, and they will call someone in case of need.
Locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be risky and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for help. Examine all windows and doors if you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which could give you access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. spare key replacement is not recommended since it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any kind of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can help. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help make it less likely that you'll be locked out of your vehicle by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could leave a spare to a close family member or friend who may be able help you in a moment of need. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these tactics can damage your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle You should always call for emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid using the police and try other ways of getting back to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.