How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky that one of your family members or friends has an extra key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they might be able bring an extra key. If they can't however, they'll be able to assist you with other tools that will allow you to open your car. This could include items such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped inside on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your home to break the window or unlock 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. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also put them in a location that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at one time or another. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep an extra key in a safe location at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of needing assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on-site. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a low cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your car quickly, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening cars without keys for example, a shoelace, a 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 at peace and use these techniques only as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police can help you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing service. A majority of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can quickly contact them. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your issue. You can receive tips on how to get in your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be hazardous so it is important to check your surroundings before calling for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the doors and windows. You may have left a small window slightly open. spare car key maker near me can sometimes let you gain access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Most dealers can provide you with 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 an extra in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to someone who lives close by 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 of paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare keys and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and the coverage plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as the last resort.
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, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous area, then call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another way to get back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.