How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your car. If you don't have an extra 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'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 an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring an extra car key. If not however, they'll be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your car. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or child stuck in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before trying to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you lots of stress in the end! You can also store them in a place that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at one moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation it is recommended to keep an extra key in a secure place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on-site. They can also give you advice on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car quickly, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open the car without keys. These include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is essential to remain at peace and use these techniques only as an option last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. The police will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact an towing service. A majority of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can quickly contact them. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
Locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you're stuck in an unsafe environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window open, which may allow access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in a wallet or purse or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask whether they can help out. Many dealers will be able to provide you with an interim key so that you can get back into your vehicle. They might need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are a few alternatives to unlock your car without calling roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your car, you should always call for emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back in the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, spare car key cutting near me or locksmith service is your responsibility.