How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key to give access to your car. If not, you'll require an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will alert them that you're in trouble. They may be able bring a spare key. If they can't do this, they should be able to help you with other tools that will allow you 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 for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. Whether you were in a rush or distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this happening it is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing 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 breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you quickly and at a low cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you in your car quickly, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you must call 911 immediately. You can get help from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact the towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without harming it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can reach them easily. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. You can receive tips on how to enter your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the doors and windows. It could be that you've left a window open, which can sometimes give access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be aware before making use of any kind of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help. Most dealers will be able to provide you with an interim key so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to make it less likely to be locked out of your vehicle by keeping your spare keys in a secure place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet, or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help in a pinch. You may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of the car.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have an extra. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
If order spare key for car can't unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call for emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and instead try other methods of getting back into your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.