How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. You can dial 911 and they'll send an emergency team to your location to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. helpful hints are usually inexpensive for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. Whether you were in a hurry or distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their purses or wallets in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on your desk in a snap and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create keys for you on the spot. They can also provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening a car without the key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as the last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek help from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact the towing company. A lot of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If spare car key maker have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a small window slightly open. This could let you gain access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to your car's locks. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. 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 prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. It can be kept in your purse or wallet or purchase an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. 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 find out whether they can help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They may ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance to get locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave an extra to a close family member or friend who may be able help you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are several alternatives to unlock your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
If you can't unlock your car it is recommended to call emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free however, it is recommended not to do so and instead find a different method of getting back in the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you will need to pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.