How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If not, you might require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, like 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, getting locked out of your car is no fun. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car 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 like a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's security is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can help you save a great deal of stress in the long term! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this, keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on the go and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of having to call for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and even create keys for you right on the spot. They can also provide advice on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If spare remote car key are a member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car quickly, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open cars without keys, such as 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 damage your window. Be calm and only employ these tricks as a last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. Many of these services can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or you know it in order to quickly contact them. You could be eligible for free assistance. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous and you must check your surroundings before asking for help. Check all the doors and windows if you are unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which may allow access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with an acquaintance who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have a spare. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Some companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and your insurance plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle You should always call for emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back in the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll need pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.