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 the keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
It is possible to close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This could include items like a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency team to your location who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods may cause damage to the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with the latest models because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can save you much stress in the long term! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is accessible like your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. If you were in a hurry or just distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain can be attached to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on-site. They can also give you advice on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as a last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on a highway. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. You might be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They can provide you with tips for getting into your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a danger zone. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which could allow access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they can help you out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They may need to see proof of ownership along with other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to make it less likely that you'll lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your car. You could also leave an extra with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in your glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have and the coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. It is best to avoid contacting the police and try other methods of getting back to your vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to confirm. If spare car key cutting or locksmith service is your responsibility.