How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you may require an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If not, they will at the very least assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. You can dial 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your home to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door, activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can help you save much stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time or another. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this happening, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They can even make new keys on-site. They will also be able provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. spare car keys should remain calm and only employ these tricks as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can call them quickly. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your car, and they will send someone if needed.
Being locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your car. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This could let you gain access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before making use of any kind of device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can be back in your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a friend or family member who may be able help you in a moment of need. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance 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. Going In this article , like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a risky location. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and instead try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.