How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble. They may be able to bring a spare key. If not do this, they should be able to help you with other tools that will allow you to open your car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or child locked in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately call 911. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long term! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this situation ensure that you keep an extra key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
If you don't own an extra key, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to provide suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these techniques as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the highway. The police can help you, or they may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without causing damage. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know it so that you can call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. You can also get advice on how to enter your car and they'll send someone if needed.
Locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're trapped in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Make sure spare car key cost check all doors and windows if not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage your car's locks. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in your purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. Many dealers will give you an emergency key so you can be back in your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you are locked out of the vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will differ based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are other methods to open your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always contact emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid using the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your costs, but check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.