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 feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
It is possible to close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they might even bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that could be used to open the car. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some point. If you were in a hurry or distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse 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 contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and even create new keys immediately. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car in a short time, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open cars without keys, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police will be able assist you, or may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is in your phone or you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. You can receive tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
Being locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. spare car key maker should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Examine all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a tiny window open. This could allow you to gain access.
You can also attempt to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to your car's locks. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or purchase an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member to save them if they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Most dealers will provide you with a temporary key so that you can get back into your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to reduce the chance that you will get locked out of your vehicle by keeping your spare keys in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with someone who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also think about 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 in case you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, such as AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended not to do so and instead, try a different method of getting back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.