How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky that a family member or friend may have an extra key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you may require a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, we are distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is at risk. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your car. DIY methods may damage the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They will save you lots of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys on the spot. They will also offer suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can provide you with tips for getting into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a dangerous environment. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are unsure how to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a small window slightly open. This may let you gain access.
You can also attempt to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to your car's locks. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a 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 be able to give you an emergency key so you can return to your car. Be prepared for you could try this out of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to help in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove box so that you can quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you're locked out of your car.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police typically unlock a car for free however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.
