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 sensation that can leave you feeling panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can allow access to your car. If not, you might require an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, 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 brain doesn't completely focus. Whatever Going In this article , being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key. It can be stressful however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If not do this, they should be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as the case of an elderly person or a child trapped in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they will send an emergency team to your location to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at one point. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, your workplace or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and won't need to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your 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 to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and they can even make you new keys right on the spot. They will also be able to provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you promptly and at an affordable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open your car without a key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these tricks only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should immediately call 911. The police can assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is in your phone or that you know it so that you can quickly contact them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain the issue. They can give you tips for getting into your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It could be that you've left a window open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help out. Many dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can be back in your vehicle. They might need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will vary based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without calling roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car it is recommended to call emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and try alternative methods of getting to your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to ensure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.