How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate, one of your family members or friends has an extra key that can allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble. They may be able to bring an extra key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency team to your location, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from happening again. They can be affordable for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They will save you much stress in the long run! You can also store them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at your home, at work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on the spot. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these methods can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. You should remain calm and only employ these methods only as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. Many of these services are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you know it so that you can contact them easily. They may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain your problem. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the doors and windows. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could damage your car's locks. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you must be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. It can be kept in your purse or wallet, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the underside of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also call your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a hurry. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone when you are locked out of the car.
If you don't have a spare keys 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. Other companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. replacing car keys without spare can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
If you are unable to unlock your car, you should always call emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. This is especially true if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. The police typically unlock a car for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.