How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that 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 fortunate, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If not however, they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, a child or any other person's safety is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it's better to seek assistance from family or friends before trying to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is accessible for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at one point. Whether you were in a rush or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, your workplace or in your bag for exercise. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create new keys immediately. They'll also be able to 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 obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to stay at peace and use these techniques only as an option last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, you must immediately call 911. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. Many of these services can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know it so that you can contact them easily. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. You can also get advice on how to get in your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
Locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be risky and you must check your surroundings before calling for help. Check all the doors and windows if unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. link home is not recommended since it could cause damage to the locks on your car. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives near by or a family member who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You could also write 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 if you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody says that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some 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 other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. It is recommended to avoid using the police and instead try other ways of getting back into your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.