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. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or child locked inside on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. They can send an emergency team to your home, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a location where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation 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 purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock, and can even make 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 get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able to help you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it to be able to reach them easily. They may even offer to come and help you out for free. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. You can receive tips on how to get in your car and they'll call someone in case of need.
It's never fun 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 if you're in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window open, which could allow access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies do not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep 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. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. spare car key replacement cost will make it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You could also leave one to a close family member or friend who may be able help you in a moment of need. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should be used only as a last resort.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back in the vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your costs, but be sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll be required pay for the locksmith or roadside service.