How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're fortunate you, one of your family members or friends may have an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able bring an extra key. If not, cheap spare car keys at the very least help you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This could include things like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, a child, or anyone's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work on newer cars due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. Whether you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on site. They'll also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can get you back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock the car without keys. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these options aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is important to remain calm and only use these methods only as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police can assist you, or may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can call them quickly. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in an unsafe environment. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous, so you should always check your surroundings before asking for assistance. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which could allow you access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into 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 your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can assist. Many dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can get back into your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these techniques could damage your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a risky area. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and instead try other ways of getting back into your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers the cost, but you should check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll be required pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.