How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child locked in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is also important to remember 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 you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can help you save a great deal of stress in the long term! You can also put them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at some time or another. Whether you were in a hurry or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of calling for assistance at the roadside or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create new keys immediately. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at an affordable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies 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 ways to open a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only use these methods only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you must call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you know it so that you can contact them easily. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a danger zone. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous and you must examine your surroundings prior to calling for help. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window open, which may allow you access.
You could also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks on your car. 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 occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they are able to help. Many dealers will give you an interim key so that you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will make it less likely you'll get locked out. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your vehicle. You could leave a spare to a close friend or family member who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you are locked out of your car.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, such as AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are a few alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Always call spare keys for cars when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back in the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but make sure you read the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.