How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able to bring an extra key. If not, they will at least be able to help you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is accessible like your wallet or purse.
2. Call a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at some point. If you were in a rush or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this happening ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. spare car key cost are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up calling for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is best to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create new keys on the spot. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY alternatives to open your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these methods only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of that it is able to reach them easily. They may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain your problem. They can give you tips on how to get in your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Check all the windows and doors if you're unsure how to unlock your car. It could be that you've left a window partially open, which may allow access.
You can also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer to see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers will be able to give you a temporary key so that you can return to your car. They will probably ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to help you out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
There are several alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call for emergency assistance only if there is in immediate danger. This is especially true if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. It is best to avoid contacting the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not, you will have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.