How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can allow access to your car. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. 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 brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no fun. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble. They may be able to bring an extra key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with the latest models, as they have specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to prevent this from happening again. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing when the door is shut.
In order to avoid this happening, you should always keep your spare key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and won't need to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even create you new keys immediately. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options to open your car without a key, 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 essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as the last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek help from the police or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it so that you can reach them easily. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about the issue. spare car keys made near me can also get advice on how to get into your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for help particularly in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are not sure how to unlock your car. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which could give you access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening 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 vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will give you an emergency key so you can return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the chance that you will be locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your car. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove box to help you quickly get the vehicle's owner to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's best to avoid doing so and instead find a different way to get back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.