How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you, someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It is a stressful time however, there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they might be able to bring an extra key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch 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. DIY methods can cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the end! You can also keep them in a place where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this Keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and won't need to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys on the spot. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA, this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. getting a spare key for my car are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these techniques only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. You can get help from the police or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling the towing company. Many of these services can open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know it so that you can reach them easily. They may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about the issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
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 it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for help. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your car. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This could allow you to gain access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks of your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you 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 your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. Most dealers will give you an emergency key so you can be back in your car. They might need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep i need a spare key for my car in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to someone who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Some companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these tactics can damage your door and should be used only as a last resort.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate threat if you can't 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 using the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll be required pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.