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 makes you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble. They may be able to provide a spare key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately call 911. They can send an emergency crew to your home, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's better to seek assistance from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or cause the warranty to be void. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save much stress in the long term! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of calling for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They can even make new keys on-site. They can also provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these techniques aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is calling an towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it so that you can quickly contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. You can receive tips on how to enter your vehicle, and they will provide assistance if required.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous so it is important to check your surroundings before 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 slightly open, which could give you access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can assist. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the chance that you'll be locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. spare car key maker near me can also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to help in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Moody says 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 a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
There are other methods to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can damage your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a risky area. The police will typically unlock a car for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll need pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.