How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't completely focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare 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 give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they might be able to provide an extra key. If not do this, they should be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, child, or anyone's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's better to seek assistance from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work on newer cars, as they have special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They will save you a great deal of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid spare keys for cars ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on site. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car quickly, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open a car without the key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as the last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. You can get help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact the towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and let them know about your issue. You can get tips on how to get into your car and they'll call someone in case of need.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a dangerous environment. You should always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your car, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which could allow access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. However, spare keys for cars is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid 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 stick it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to reduce the likelihood that you'll lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your car. You could leave a spare with a nearby friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Others, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and the coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open 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 be used only as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your car You should always call emergency assistance only if there is a immediate risk. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another method of getting back in the car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not, you will need to pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.