How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky that someone in your family or a friend will have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you'll require a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
It is possible to close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Call i need a spare key for my car or a friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If not however, they'll be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. This can include items such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately dial 911. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest 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 affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long run! It's recommended to keep them in a safe place that is accessible for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at one moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a low cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open a car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain at peace and use these techniques only as an option last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know it to be able to reach them easily. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
Locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you are stranded in an unsafe environment. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window partially open, which could allow you access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be aware before making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to assist. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They will probably require proof of ownership along with other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help reduce the chance that you will lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping your spare keys in a secure place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could leave a spare with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a hurry. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you are locked out of your car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always call for emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid contacting the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to be sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.