How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We can close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience, but 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 alert them that you are in trouble. They may be able to bring a spare key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. This can include items such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, a child, or anyone's safety is at risk. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your home, who can either use a slim jim to open 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. DIY methods may cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They can help you save a great deal of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
However, if you can try these out don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and they can even make new keys on the spot. They will also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open cars without keys like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able assist you, or may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact an towing service. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. They may even offer to come and help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. You can also get advice on how to get into your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance, especially if you are 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. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage your car's locks. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to save them if they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. They may require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You could also leave one with a family member or friend who may be able help you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare keys, you can call roadside assistance. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are several alternatives to unlock your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last option.
If you can't unlock your vehicle You should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back in the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.