How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle only to realize that you've locked the keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you might require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
this content is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that can 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 when there is an elderly person or a child trapped in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous It is better to seek assistance from friends or family members before trying to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to stop this from happening again. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also store them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at one time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there after closing the door.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car quickly, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only use these techniques only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately call 911. The police can assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or you know it so that you can easily reach them. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can get tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
Locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you're trapped in a dangerous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky, so you should always check your surroundings before asking for assistance. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. You may have left a tiny window open. This could allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should 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 wallet or purse or buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire if they are able to assist. Most dealers will be able to provide you with an emergency key so you can get back into your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You could also leave one with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone if you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can harm your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you can't unlock your vehicle You should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back into the vehicle. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.