How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, a family member or friend may have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might require a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Call your family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they may bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should immediately dial 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to your door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic 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 store them in a safe place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. Whether you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this happening it is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses in the event that they lose their keys. spare car key cutting , you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up calling for 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 call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on the spot. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a low cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able assist you, or can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily contact them. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about the issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky so it is important to check your surroundings before asking for help. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which may give access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can assist. Many dealers will provide you with an emergency key so you can be back in your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside your vehicle. You could also give a spare to a friend who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, such as AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle it is recommended to contact emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a risky place. It is best to avoid calling the police and try other ways of getting back to your vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, you'll need pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.