How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they could even bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, child or anyone else's security is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from happening again. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this happening it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on site. They can also give you tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open cars without keys for example, 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 crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as the last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without harming it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it to be able to contact them easily. You may be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky, so you should always check your surroundings before calling for assistance. Examine all windows and doors if you're not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs Therefore, you should be cautious when using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
make a spare car key near me can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. Most dealers will be able to give you a temporary key so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can leave a spare with a nearby friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you lock yourself out.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several alternatives to unlock your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your car it is recommended to call for emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. It is best to avoid calling the police and look for other ways of getting back into your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.