How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're fortunate you, one of your family members or friends will have an additional key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock 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 for instance, if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long run! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time or another. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this, keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make keys for you right on the spot. They'll also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at an affordable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car in a short time, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY alternatives to open a car without the key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call an towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. You may be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your problem. You can also get advice on how to enter your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. You should always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. Check all the windows and doors if you're unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a small window slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Most dealers will give you an interim key so that you can be back in your vehicle. They might need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one with a nearby friend or family member who may be able help you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you lock yourself out.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, spare car keys made near me could damage your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always call emergency services only if it is a immediate risk. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road or your vehicle is in a risky location. It is best 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 be sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.