How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. need a spare key for my car will notify them that you're in trouble and they might be able to provide an extra key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist with other tools to open your vehicle. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's security is in danger. You can dial 911 and they'll send an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky It is recommended to seek help from family or friends before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods might not work with the latest models due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and they can even make new keys on the spot. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you must immediately call 911. The police will be able to assist you, or they may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact an towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it in order to quickly contact them. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. You can also get advice on how to get in your car and they'll send someone if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a small window slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out if they are able to help. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They may ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare with a friend who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in a pinch. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you are locked out of the car.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car, you should always contact emergency assistance only if there 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 risky area. It is best to avoid contacting the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.