How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your car. If not, you may need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience 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 notify them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring an extra key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or child trapped inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately call 911. You can call 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your home to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with the latest models because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you lots of stress in the future! It's recommended to keep them in a safe place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call spare key cutting 's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep a spare key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at the go and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on-site. They can also provide advice on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are a member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY alternatives to open a car without the key, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately call 911. The police will be able to assist you, or they may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact an towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be hazardous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are not sure how to unlock your car. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which could give you access.
You can also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it can damage your car's locks. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you must be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. It can be kept in a wallet or purse, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Many dealers will give you an emergency key so you can be back in your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet, or one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave an extra with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a pinch. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, such as AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back in the vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you will need to pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.