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 the keys inside. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't completely focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car key. If they can't do this, they should be able to help you with other tools to open your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, child or anyone else's security is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods might not work on newer cars because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a place where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys on the spot. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly 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 they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open cars without keys for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on the highway. You can get help from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or you know it in order to easily reach them. You may be offered free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. They can give you tips on how to get into your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to calling for help. If you're not sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which may give access.
spare car key cutting can also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could damage your car's locks. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs, so you should always be cautious when using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help out. Most dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can get back into your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to someone who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help you in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of the vehicle.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these tactics can damage your door and should only be used as an emergency.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another way to get back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.