How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key to give access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes spare car key cutting happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they may bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at the very least help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as the case of an elderly person or a child locked 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 team to your home, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at some moment. If you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep a spare key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on site. They can also give you suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is important to remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you must immediately call 911. You can seek help from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know it so that you can reach them easily. You may be offered assistance for free. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and tell them the issue. You can receive tips on how to enter your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're stuck in a hazardous location. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which could allow you access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store 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 family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help reduce the likelihood to be locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to help you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody says that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are a few alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a hazardous area, then call emergency services. It is best to avoid contacting the police and look for other methods of getting back to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but be sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.