How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be extremely stressful, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. This could include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with the latest models because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also store them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create you new keys immediately. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being 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 quickly and at a reasonable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these methods as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle or if you're stuck on the highway. You can seek help from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You might be offered assistance for free. Alternately, locked key in car no spare can contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your issue. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a hazardous area. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. If you'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 could give you access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to your car's locks. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs Therefore, you should be cautious when using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. 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 and ask whether they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should help make it less likely that you'll be locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your car. You could also leave one with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a hurry. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Some companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few alternatives to unlock your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and try alternative methods of getting into your car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you will have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.