How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We may 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 program and our brain doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key ! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If not however, they'll be able to assist you with other tools to open your car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at one point. If you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this, keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on site. They can also give you tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY alternatives to open cars without keys, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you must call 911 immediately. The police can help you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call the towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without harming it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
Being locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. Check all the doors and windows if uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. They may ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal information so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can leave a spare with a family member or friend who could be able to help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody says that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain 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 your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. It is best to avoid using the police and look for other ways of getting back to your car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.