How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling overwhelmed and scared.
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 not, you'll require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able to provide an extra key. If not however, they'll 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 the case of an elderly person or child locked in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep a spare key in a secure place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to stay calm and use these tricks only as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on an expressway. The police can assist you, or can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. You may be offered assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get into your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
Being locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're trapped in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the doors and windows. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which may allow access.
You can also attempt to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could damage the locks of your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool that allows access to 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 purchase an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your car. 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.
make a spare key near me can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to help. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to help you out in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of your vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, 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 find a different way to get back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to be sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.