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 feeling that makes you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're fortunate you, a family member or friend may have an additional 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 or friend member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be extremely stressful however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If not, they will at least be able to help you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child or anyone else's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is best to wait for help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can help you save much stress in the end! It's recommended to keep them in a safe place that is easy to access like your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. Whether you were in a hurry or just distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario ensure that you keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on the spot. They will also offer suggestions on how to avoid being 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 cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as the last option. Contact make a spare key if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on a highway. You can seek help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without harming it. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is set into your phone or you know it in order to quickly contact them. They may even offer to help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes let you gain access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any kind of device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. 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 someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Many dealers will give you an interim key so that you can get back into your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help reduce the likelihood to be locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove box to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you're locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back in the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.