How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're fortunate that someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might require an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, such as when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or child locked in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately dial 911. You can call 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to either break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it's better to seek assistance from family or friends before trying to unlock your car. make a spare key is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from happening again. These can be inexpensive for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the long run! You can also put them in a place where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at some point. Whether you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at the go and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of calling for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith can unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on site. They will also offer suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open cars without keys, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your car or you are stuck on an expressway. The police will be able assist you, or can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling the towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock 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. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. They will give you advice for getting into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a dangerous environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are uncertain about how to unlock your car. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which may allow access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage your car's locks. It is also important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs, so you should always be careful before making use of any kind of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in a wallet or purse or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on 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 retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers will be able to provide you with an interim key so that you can be back in your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to reduce the likelihood that you'll be locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave an extra with a friend or family member who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box so that you can quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of your car.
If you don't have a spare keys and you're in need of roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Others, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without calling roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.