How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle only to realize that you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate you, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. spare remote car key will alert them that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If they can't do this, they should be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is recommended to seek help from friends or family members before trying to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long term! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
To avoid this happening, you should always keep a spare key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and can even create new keys immediately. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without a key. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is essential to remain at peace and use these techniques only as an option last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you are stuck on a highway. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call an towing service. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of that it is able to contact them easily. You may be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which may allow you access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making use of 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 wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help out. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. They will probably ask you to show 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 location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to help out in the event of a crisis. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone when you're locked out of the car.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
If you're unable to unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free, but it's recommended not to do so and instead find a different way to get back into the vehicle. If you're a member 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, you'll be required pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.