How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can give access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If they can't do this, they should be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. This can include items such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is at risk. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. spare car key replacement cost is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can save you a great deal 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. Call a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this situation it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on site. They will also be able provide tips on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you're stuck on an expressway. The police can help you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A majority of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your problem. You can get tips on how to enter your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which could allow you access.
You can also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. spare key replacement should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help out. Most dealers will be able to give you an interim key so that you can get back into your car. They might require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will make it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could leave a spare to a close family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Some companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to 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 other methods of getting back to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll need pay for the locksmith or roadside service.