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 can make you feel panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able to bring a spare key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include things like 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 inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will send an emergency team to your home to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also 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 avoid this happening in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. If you were in a rush or simply distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this situation it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as an option last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police can assist you, or may call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to contact them easily. You may be offered assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous and you must examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the windows and doors. You may have left a small window slightly open. This could let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer to see whether they can help you out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You could also leave a spare with an acquaintance who lives close 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 of paper inside the glove box so that you can 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 in the event that you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. get spare key made of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have and the coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.