How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or a friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key. It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If not do this, they should be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your 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 trapped in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should immediately call 911. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency team to your location to either break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It is important to remember that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They will save you lots of stress in the end! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, your workplace or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at the go and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even create you new keys on the spot. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. spare car key cost can help you get back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening your car without a key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain at peace and use these techniques as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you must immediately dial 911. The police will be able help you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. A majority of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to reach them easily. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
Getting locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Examine all doors and windows if unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This could let you gain access.
You can also attempt to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs, so you should always be careful before making use of any kind of device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. The majority of dealers will provide you with an emergency key so you can get back into your car. They will probably need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your car. You could leave a spare with a nearby friend or family member who could be able to help you in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call emergency assistance only if there is in immediate danger. page is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should make sure you read the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.