How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel panicked and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful however, there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able bring a spare key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of 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. They can send an emergency team to your location who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to prevent this from happening again. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long term! 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
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this happening, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on the go and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create you new keys on the spot. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. Be at peace and use these techniques only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. They might even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. spare car key replacement cost must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which may allow access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. auto key spares is not recommended since it can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any kind of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to make it less likely to 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 the magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave an extra to a close family member or friend who may be able help 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 to quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car You should always contact emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended not to do so and instead find a different method of getting back in the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but be sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.