How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give 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. Contact a family member or a friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to open the car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or child trapped in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately dial 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky It is recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or cause the warranty to be void. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to avoid this from happening again. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure location that is easy to access for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. If you were in a rush or simply distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid get a spare car key made ensure you have a spare key at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purses or wallets in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of calling for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys immediately. They'll also be able to provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY options to open a car without a key. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as an option last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able to assist you, or can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing service. A lot of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can reach them easily. You might be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your problem. You can also get advice on how to get into your car, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous and you must examine your surroundings prior to calling for help. Examine all doors and windows if not sure how to unlock your car. It could be that you've left a window partially open, which could give you access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Most dealers will give you a temporary key so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You could also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help you out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you lock yourself out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as a last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free but it's recommended not to do so and instead find a different way to get back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.