How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you, someone in your family or a friend will have an extra key that can give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. order spare key for car 's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble. They may be able to provide an extra key. If they can't however, they'll be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or a child locked inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately call 911. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's better to seek assistance from friends or family members before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work with the latest models because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They can help you save much stress in the long run! You can also keep them in a location where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this, keep a spare at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and will not have to worry about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you promptly and at a low cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only employ these tricks only 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 can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling the towing company. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know it to be able to reach them easily. You may be offered assistance for free. Alternately, you can call the non-emergency police line and let them know about your issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in a dangerous location. Unknown roads or places at night can be risky, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Check all the doors and windows if uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the repair costs, so you should always be aware before 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 purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can get back into your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives close by or a family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without calling roadside assistance. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended not to do so and instead, try a different method of getting back in the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.