How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel overwhelmed and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can allow access to your car. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to help you with other tools to open your vehicle. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or child stuck inside on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should call 911 immediately. They can send an emergency crew to your home, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it's better to seek assistance from family members or friends before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the near future! It's recommended to store them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this happening it is recommended to keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain they attach to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on the spot. They will also be able to provide suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These options are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. Be at peace and use these methods as a last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can seek help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact the towing company. A lot of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it to be able to reach them easily. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. You can receive tips on how to get in your car, and they will call someone in case of need.
Locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. Make sure spare remote car key check all doors and windows if you are unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could damage the locks of your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful 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 on hand. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. They may ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal information so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you lock yourself out.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, such as AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always contact emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a risky location. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back in the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you will have to pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.