How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're fortunate you, a family member or friend has an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't completely focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they may bring an extra car key. If not, they will at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use things like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to stop this from happening again. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this, keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and will not have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on a highway. The police will be able assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a dangerous environment. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. Make sure spare car key cost check all doors and windows if you are not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which could give access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to help. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They might require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to reduce the likelihood to get locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave one with a friend or family member who could be able to help you in a hurry. 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 lock yourself out.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could damage your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call for emergency assistance only if there is a immediate risk. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. It is recommended to avoid using the police and try other methods of getting back to your car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you will be required pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.