How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If not, you'll require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful however, 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 a spare car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is at risk. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods can cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from occurring again. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can help you save much stress in the long term! You can also store them in a location where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this, keep a spare at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and even create you new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services are able to help you get into your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These methods are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as a last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you should immediately call 911. The police can help you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it so that you can quickly contact them. You may be offered assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a dangerous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if unsure how to unlock your car. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which could allow you access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one with a nearby friend or family member 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 that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car You should always call emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. If spare car key maker near me have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. It is recommended to avoid using the police and instead try alternative methods of getting to your car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.