How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to allow access to your car. If not, you'll need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This could include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from happening again. These are usually inexpensive for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Call a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at one moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and don't have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create keys for you right on the spot. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you promptly and at an affordable price. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately call 911. spare car key fob can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call an towing service. A majority of these companies are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can reach them easily. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can receive tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the windows and doors. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This could let you gain access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Most dealers will give you an interim key so that you can get back into your vehicle. They might ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave an extra with a nearby friend or family member who could be able to help you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
If you don't have a spare keys or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another way to get back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.