How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't completely focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they might even bring a spare car key. If they can't do this, they should be able to help you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. You can use things like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, a child or any other person's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency team to your location to either break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again you should consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to put your keys in your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing 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 needing roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and even create new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These options are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. Be calm and only employ these methods 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 call 911 immediately. You can seek help from the police or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact the towing company. Many of these services are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a danger zone. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be hazardous and you must check your surroundings before asking for assistance. Check all the doors and windows if unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which may allow access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in a wallet or purse or buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can help. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to make it less likely that you will lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe place. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with a friend who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you're locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid using the police and instead try alternative methods of getting into your car. helpful hints may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to ensure. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.