How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they may bring an extra car key. If not, they will at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, a child, or anyone's security is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your home, 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. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure location that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some point. If you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this, keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on your desk in a snap and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on site. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a cost that is reasonable. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without a key. These include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these techniques as a last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you know it to be able to contact them easily. They might even offer to help you out for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're unsure how to unlock your car. You may have left a small window slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. make a spare key can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Many dealers will give you an emergency key so you can return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to make it less likely that you'll lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one to a close friend or family member who may be able help you in a moment of need. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner to call you if you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you are unable to unlock your car You should always call for emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back in the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers the cost, but you should be sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.