How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
It is possible to shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble. They may be able bring an extra key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child or anyone else's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before trying to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also put them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation, you should always keep your spare key in a safe location at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on-site. They will also offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY options to open a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. make a spare car key near me should remain calm and only employ these tricks only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know it so that you can call them quickly. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your vehicle, and they will call someone in case of need.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the doors and windows. It could be that you have left a window open, which may allow you access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help you out. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They might need to see proof of ownership along with other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one with a nearby friend or family member who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Moody says that certain firms are experts at 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 a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
There are alternatives to unlock 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 a last resort.
Always 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, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous zone, you should call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. If getting a spare key for my car are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover the cost, but you should check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.