How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your car. If not, you may need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a family member or friend
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not, they will at least be able to assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like if there is an elderly person or a child stuck inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk, then you should call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work on newer cars, as they have specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also store them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at one time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and they can even make you new keys on the spot. They can also give you tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are a member of AAA, this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are make a spare car key near me of DIY ways to open a car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is essential to remain at peace and use these techniques only as an option last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on an expressway. You can seek help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling an towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without harming it. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it so that you can quickly contact them. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can also get advice on how to get into your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. make a spare key must always look around the surroundings before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the windows and doors. You might have left a tiny window open. This could let you gain access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this isn't 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 when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in your purse or wallet or purchase an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can help. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. They will probably require proof of ownership and some other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to reduce the likelihood that you will be locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives close by or a family member who might be able to help 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 contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and instead try other methods of getting back into your car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not, you will need to pay for the locksmith or roadside service.