How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If not, you may need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or a friend
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It is a stressful time however, there are ways to gain access.
spare car key cost is to contact your family or friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If not do this, they should be able to help you with other tools to open your vehicle. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous such as when an elderly person, child or any other person's security is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can damage the door, activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. They will save you lots of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this situation ensure that you keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith can open your car without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on the spot. They can also provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open the car without keys. 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. Be calm and only use these methods as a last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is in your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can quickly contact them. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. You can also get advice on how to get into your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
Being locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the windows and doors. You might have left a small window slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You can also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to your car's locks. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member to save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help. Many dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You could also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help you in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove box to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you're locked out of your car.
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, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always call emergency assistance only if there is in 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. It is best to avoid calling the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers the cost, but you should make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.