How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're fortunate you, one of your family members or friends may have an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. spare key fob 's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be extremely stressful, but the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at the very least help you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can use things like a wire coat hanger or 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 send an emergency team to your location, who will either use a small jim to unlock 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. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a safe place that is accessible like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing when the door is shut.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at home, your workplace or in your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and they can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a low cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY alternatives to unlock the car without keys. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to stay calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the highway. You can get help from the police or can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is in your phone or you know it so that you can easily contact them. They might even offer to come and help you out for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your car and they'll call someone in case of need.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a danger zone. You should 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 are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it can damage your car's locks. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be cautious when using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can assist. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They might ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help out in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you're locked out of the car.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Other companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could damage your door and should be used only as a last resort.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another way to get back into the car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.