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. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
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 need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at least be able to assist you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as the case of an elderly person or child trapped in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately call 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who will 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 friends or family members before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long run! You can also keep them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at one point. If you were in a rush or just distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith can unlock your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. Furthermore, the majority of 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 an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening a car without the key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. spare remote car key is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able help you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing service
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without causing damage. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of that it is able to call them quickly. You might be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. Always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can help. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help make it less likely that you will be locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can put in the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to someone who lives close by or an individual from your family who might 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 so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you can't unlock your car You should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or are in a hazardous area, then call emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, 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.