How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't fun. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If not, at least they will be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous such as when an elderly person, a child or any other person's security is in danger. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family members or friends before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To prevent cheap spare car keys from happening again you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation ensure that you keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work or in 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 your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of having to call for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on the spot. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being locked out of your car 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. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car quickly, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open the car without keys. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain at peace and use these techniques only as the last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should 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 can open your car's door without causing damage. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can call them quickly. You might be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a danger zone. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. You may have left a tiny window open. This could let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage your car's locks. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. 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 leave their spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Many dealers will give you a temporary key so that you can get back into your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to reduce the chance that you'll get locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You can leave a spare with a family member or friend who may be able help you in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you are locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the level of membership you have and the coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should only be used as an emergency.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and try alternative methods of getting to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.