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. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist with other tools to open your vehicle. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and don't have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on-site. They will also be able provide tips on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These options are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car 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 may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain your problem. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Being locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. Check all the doors and windows if you are unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This can sometimes let you 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 know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before making use of any tool 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 either 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 family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to make it less likely that you will lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave one to a close friend or family member who could be able to help you in a hurry. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
If you don't 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 a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services 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, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always call emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. get a spare key made near me is best to avoid calling the police and try alternative methods of getting to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.