How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. You might feel helpless and panicked.
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 an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at least be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or child stuck in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also put them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this Keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and even create keys for you right on the spot. They will also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a low cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on a highway. You can seek assistance from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is in your phone or you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Being locked out of car spare key maker is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the doors and windows. It is possible that you left a small window slightly open. This can sometimes let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to assist. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help make it less likely to get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet, or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a family member or friend who may be able help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a risky location. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back into the car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.