How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give 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
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able bring an extra key. If not, they'll at least be able to help you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or a child locked in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can save you lots of stress in the end! You can also store them in a place where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at one point. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
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 could even create new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY ways to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain calm and only employ these methods as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. You can get help from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without harming it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
order spare key for car 's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky and you must examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be cautious when using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They will probably require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your car. You can also leave one to a close family member or friend who may be able help you in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing 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, you can call roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these techniques could damage your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. It is best to avoid calling the police and look for other ways of getting back into your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your costs, but check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you will be required to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.