How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, one of your family members or friends may have an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you might require a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not however, they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. This could include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, a child or anyone else's safety is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family members or friends before trying to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It's also important to know that certain methods may not work on newer cars, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a safe place that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at one time or another. If you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and even create keys for you immediately. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a low cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open cars without keys for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last option. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. The police will be able assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact spare key maker towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can easily contact them. They may even offer to come and help you out for free. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your problem. You can receive tips on how to enter your car, and they will call someone in case of need.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window open, which could give access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave 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 inquire if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will be able to provide you with an emergency key so you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet, or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to help out in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended not to do so and instead try another way to get back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll have to pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.