How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel in a state of panic and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. This could include things such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when 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 unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at one point. If you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this happening, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at your desk in a snap and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on the spot. They will also be able provide suggestions 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 promptly and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as the last option. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you must immediately call 911. The police can assist you, or can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also call the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your car, and they will call someone in case of need.
Locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in an unsafe environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to calling for help. Examine all doors and windows if uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be aware before using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in your purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to reduce the chance to be locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives close by or a family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
It is possible to call 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 few hours. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If what google did to me have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. It is best to avoid using the police and look for alternative methods of getting to your car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to ensure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.