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 insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't completely focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child or any other person's security is in danger. You can dial 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door, activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work with the latest models due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid locked key in car no spare is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your car without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They'll also be able to provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as the last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately call 911. The police can help you, or they may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact the towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to come and help you out for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
Being locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky so it is important to be aware of 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 could be that you've left a window partially open, which could allow access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire if they are able to assist. Many dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can get back into your vehicle. They will probably ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with someone who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to help in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call emergency assistance only if there is in immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a risky place. It is best to avoid using the police and try other ways of getting back into your car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover the cost, but you should make sure you read the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.