How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise 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 will have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For example, when we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring a spare car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist with other tools to open your car. This could include things like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is at risk. You can dial 911 and they will send an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening it is recommended to keep an extra key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make keys for you on the spot. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening your car without a key, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as a last option. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. The police can assist you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it so that you can call them quickly. You may be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. If spare keys near me 're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It could be that you've left a window open, which can sometimes give you access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the repair costs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can help. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. They may ask you to show proof of ownership and some other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to reduce the chance to get locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave an extra to a close friend or family member who may be able help you in a moment of need. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove box to help you quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone if you're locked out of the car.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and coverage plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. This is especially true 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 will typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your costs, but make sure you read the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.