How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate, a family member or friend will have an additional key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you may require an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring a spare key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to open the car. This could include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your home, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work on newer cars due to their special 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 high-end fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith can unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They can also give you advice on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a cost that is reasonable. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car in a short time, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these options aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able assist you, or may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. They can give you tips for getting into your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a dangerous environment. Always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. read this post here leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They may require proof of ownership along with other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to make it less likely that you'll lock yourself out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should be used only as an emergency.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting 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 confirm. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.