How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel in a state of panic and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't completely focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your location to either break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is best to wait for help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a location where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at some point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this happening, you should always keep your spare key in a secure place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to worry about contacting 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 will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and they can even make keys for you immediately. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you promptly and at an affordable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock the car without keys. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these options aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain at peace and use these techniques as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your 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 find a towing company.
3. Call spare car key fob towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about the issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Check all the windows and doors if you're not sure how to unlock your car. You might have left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Most dealers will give you an interim key so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You could leave a spare with a family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a 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. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead find a different method of getting back into the vehicle. You could be covered under 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.