How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If not, you may 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 rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For example, when we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring a spare key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like if there is an elderly person or a child stuck inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is in danger, then you should immediately dial 911. get a spare car key made can call 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's better to seek assistance from friends or family members before trying to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work on newer cars due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to prevent this from happening again. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and even create new keys immediately. They can also give you suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car quickly, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is important to remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police will be able help you, or they may call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can provide you with tips for getting into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the doors and windows. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to your car's locks. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs Therefore, you should be careful before 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 in your pocket. It can be kept in a purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Most dealers will be able to give you an interim key so that you can return to your car. They may ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to reduce the chance that you will be locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to assist you out in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside services will differ based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car it is recommended to call for emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. It is best to avoid calling the police and try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.