How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate, one of your family members or friends will have an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
It is possible to close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. This will notify them that you're in trouble. They may be able to bring an extra key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use items like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's safety is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long term! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at one point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at work, home, or 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 hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without a key. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is important to remain calm and only use these methods as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on a highway. The police will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call the towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to call them quickly. You may be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. You can get tips on how to get in your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. 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 not sure how to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a small window slightly open. This may allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. spare car key is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in your purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to assist. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone if you are locked out of your vehicle.
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 less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call for emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back in the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.