How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will alert them that you're in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include items such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from happening again. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save a great deal of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure location that is accessible like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation, you should always keep your spare key in a secure place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys on the spot. They will also offer suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain at peace and use these techniques only as the last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can get help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it in order to easily contact them. You might be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and explain your problem. They can give you tips on how to get in your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
Getting locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you're stuck in a dangerous location. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous and you must examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your car. It could be that you have left a window open, which can sometimes allow you access.
You can also attempt to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks on your car. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in a wallet or purse, 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 a trusted friend or family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to reduce the chance that you will be locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to help in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you can't unlock your vehicle, you should always call emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. If spare car keys have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and look for other methods of getting back to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.