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. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky that someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that can allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't fun. It's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring a spare key. If not, they'll at the very least help you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This could include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they'll send a crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky It is recommended to seek help from family or friends before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods may cause damage to the door, activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's also important to know that certain methods may not work on newer cars due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for a simple metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long run! You can also put them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some moment. get spare car key made near me can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at the go and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of calling for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening cars without keys, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these techniques only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
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 assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is in your phone or you know it so that you can easily contact them. You may be offered assistance for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous so it is important to check your surroundings before asking for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which can sometimes give you access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. Most dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can get back into your car. They might ask you to show proof of ownership and some other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden on the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare to a close friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have an extra. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car You should always call for emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid contacting the police and try other methods of getting back into your car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.