How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you may require a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or a child locked inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your home to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's better to seek assistance from family or friends before trying to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying locked key in car no spare to avoid this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the future! You can also put them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this scenario ensure that you keep a spare key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on your desk in a snap and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They can also give you suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a low cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car quickly, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open a car without the key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. Be calm and only employ these methods as a last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you must call 911 immediately. The police will be able help you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling an towing service. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. 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 contact them easily. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your problem. You can receive tips on how to get into your vehicle, and they will provide assistance if required.
Getting locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the windows and doors. You may have left a small window slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also call your local dealer to see if they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. They will probably need to see proof of ownership along with other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.