How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
If spare key replacement is life-threatening, such as if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is in danger, then you should 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.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's better to seek assistance from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. DIY methods could cause damage to your door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from happening again. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can save you much stress in the end! You can also put them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this Keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for exercise. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and even create new keys right on the spot. They will also be able to offer 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 locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at a low cost. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening cars without keys like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these methods as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able help you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to contact a towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about the issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
Being locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window open, which may allow you access.
You can also attempt to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer to see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will be able to give you a temporary key so that you can be back in your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to make it less likely that you'll get locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also write 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 if you don't own an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Others, such as 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.
There are several other methods to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these methods can damage your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle You should always call emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the 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.