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 feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, one of your family members or friends will have an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you may need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able bring a spare key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you lots of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at one time or another. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or just distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up calling for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to call locksmith assistance. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create new keys immediately. They can also give you tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. Be calm and only use these methods only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately call 911. The police can help you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to contact them easily. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a hazardous area. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help, especially if you are in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which could give you access.
You can also attempt to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. G28 Car Keys is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs Therefore, you should be cautious when using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Many dealers will give you an interim key so that you can be back in your car. They might need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help make it less likely that you'll be locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your car it is recommended to contact emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a risky location. It is best to avoid calling the police and try alternative methods of getting into your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, you'll need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.