How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able to provide a spare key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky It is better to seek assistance from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. If you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on-site. They can also give you tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without the key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. You can get help from the police or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can quickly contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're stuck in an unsafe environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help, especially if you are in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Check spare car key replacement and windows if you are not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window partially open, which can sometimes give access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks of your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can store it in a wallet or purse or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help out. The majority of dealers will provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to reduce the likelihood that you'll be locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You could also think about 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 should you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare keys, you can call roadside assistance. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a risky location. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another way to get back into the car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.