How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're lucky, a family member or friend may have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For example, when we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If not, spare car key maker near me at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening, such as 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 slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from repeating itself. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the long term! You can also store them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on site. They will also offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. Be calm and only use these tricks as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you must immediately call 911. You can seek help from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to contact them easily. They might even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. You can get tips on how to get into your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for help. Examine all doors and windows if not sure how to unlock your car. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which may give you access.
You could also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can help. Most dealers will provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your car. They may ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you're locked out of your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a risky location. It is best to avoid using the police and look for other ways of getting back to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you will have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.