How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're fortunate, someone in your family or a friend will have an extra key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you may require an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful however, there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. spare car key cost could include things like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child stuck in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is in danger and you need to call 911 immediately. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from family members or friends before trying to unlock your car. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also store them in a location where they are easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing when the door is shut.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from needing assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening a car without the key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police can assist you, or can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call an towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is in your phone or that you know it so that you can quickly contact them. You might be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can receive tips on how to get into your vehicle and they'll 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. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous, so you should always check your surroundings before asking for help. If you're not sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which can sometimes allow access.
You can also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be aware before using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire if they are able to help. Most dealers will be able to provide you with an interim key so that you can be back in your vehicle. They might need to see proof of ownership along with other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the likelihood to get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You could leave a spare with a nearby friend or family member who may be able help you in a hurry. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
If you can't unlock your car it is recommended to call emergency assistance only if there is in immediate danger. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a risky area. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free, but it's best to avoid doing so 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. Examine the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll need pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.