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. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you may require a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
understanding is to call your family or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they might even bring an extra car key. If not, they will at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is better to seek assistance from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to stop this from happening again. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can help you save much stress in the end! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at home, your workplace or in your gym bag. 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 on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of having to call for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith can unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on-site. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a low cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as a last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on a highway. The police will be able to assist you, or they may call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can contact them easily. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. They can provide you with tips for getting into your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This may let you gain access.
You can also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a 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 even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will provide you with a temporary key so that you can get back into your car. They may need to see proof of ownership and some other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to make it less likely to lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You could also leave one with a family member or friend who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody says that certain companies are experts in 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 a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended not to do so and instead find a different way to get back into the car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to make sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.