How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're fortunate that a family member or friend has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a family member or a friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally 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 brain doesn't quite focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! spare car key price can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car key. If not however, they'll be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or a child locked inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately dial 911. They can send an emergency team to your home, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It is also important to remember 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 prevent this from occurring again. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long term! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is easy to access for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at one point. Whether you were in a rush or simply distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize that the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this happening it is recommended to keep your spare key in a secure place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
If you don't own a spare, it is best to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and even create keys for you on the spot. They will also be able provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open the car without keys. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these tricks as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. You can get help from the police or can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
Being locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window open, which may give you access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people keep 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 to see whether they can help you out. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to make it less likely to lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can leave a spare with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are relevant web site to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free however, it is recommended not to do so and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your costs, but make sure you read the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.