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 may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky that someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you may require an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring an extra car key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as if there is an elderly person or a child trapped in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can send an emergency team to your location, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work with the latest models, as they have special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or simply distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation it is recommended to keep an extra key in a secure place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is call locksmith assistance. A professional will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and even create you 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 a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these techniques aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as the last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on a highway. The police can assist you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is in your phone or you know it so that you can quickly contact them. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your car, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which could give you access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs therefore, you must be aware before making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help out. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance to lock yourself out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. 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 give a spare to a friend who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. spare car key fob might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper inside the glove box so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these methods can harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle You should always contact emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a risky location. It is best to avoid calling the police and look for other ways of getting back to your vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to be sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll need pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.
