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 the keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to allow access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able to bring an extra key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can use items like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a fact that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this happening, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing assistance at the roadside or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is important to remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. If get spare key made for car have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can get help from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is calling an towing service. get spare key made for car of these companies can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of that it is able to call them quickly. They may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which can sometimes give access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to save them if they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Many dealers will give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood that you will be locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a secure place. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call for emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. This is especially true if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.