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 you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key to give access to your car. If you don't have a spare key, you may need 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 close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or child stuck in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. These are usually inexpensive for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the future! You can also store them in a location that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on the go and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and even create you new keys right on the spot. They'll also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening a car without the key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain calm and only employ these tricks as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can seek assistance from the police or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is set into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can easily reach them. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. You can get tips on how to get in your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a dangerous environment. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be hazardous, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Examine all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window open, which could give access.
You can also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to your car's locks. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they can help you out. Most dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your car. They will probably require proof of ownership as well as other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could leave a spare with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a hurry. order spare key for car may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove box to help you quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you're locked out of the car.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. It is best to avoid using the police and instead try other ways of getting back into your car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to ensure. If not, you'll be required pay for the locksmith or roadside service.