How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or child stuck in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can help you save much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is accessible for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at some time or another. If you were in a rush or distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation, you should always 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 wallets or purses in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They can even make new keys on site. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a cost that is reasonable. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open a car without a key. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is important to stay at peace and use these techniques only as the last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can get help 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 lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for no cost. Alternately, you can call the non-emergency police line and let them know about the issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky, so you should always check your surroundings before asking for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your car, it is important to check all of the windows and doors. You might have left a small window slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, spare car key replacement cost should be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or buy 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 so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire if they are able to help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You could also leave an extra with a nearby friend or family member who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you are locked out of your car.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have an extra. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, such as AAA will send a locksmith immediately. spare car key replacement cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have as well as your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last option.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid contacting the police and try alternative methods of getting to your car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.