How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble. They may be able bring a spare key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, a child or any other person's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency crew to your location who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you much stress in the long term! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is accessible like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys on the spot. They will also be able to provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options to open your car without a key, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is important to remain calm and only employ these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on a highway. The police can assist you, or they may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. You might be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can also get advice on how to get into your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Check all the doors and windows if you are uncertain about how to unlock your car. You may have left a small window slightly 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 recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to someone who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to help you out in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
You can call roadside help 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. Other companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have as well as your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should be used only as an emergency.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. spare car keys are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead try another method of getting back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you will need pay for the locksmith or roadside service.