How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. 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 completely focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or child trapped in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. Whether you were in a hurry or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on site. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at a low cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These options are dangerous, 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 children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can get help from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
Being locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to calling for help. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the windows and doors. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This may allow you to gain access.
You can also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage your car's locks. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, car key spare near me should be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You could leave a spare with a nearby friend or family member who could be able to help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are other methods to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, 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 not to do so and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.