How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky, a family member or friend may have an extra key that can allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able to bring a spare key. If not, they'll at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is in danger, then you should immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to know that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from happening again. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. In spare car key replacement cost , they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a location that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is to call locksmith assistance. A professional will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and can even create you new keys right 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're an active member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car quickly, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY ways to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These options are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these methods as a last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or are stuck 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. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is in your phone or you know it so that you can easily contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. You should always check the surroundings before calling for help, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Check all the windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window open, which could allow access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the repair costs, so you should always be careful before making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. 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 even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to save them if they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal information so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one with a nearby friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without calling roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
If you're unable to unlock your car, you should always call emergency assistance only if there is a immediate risk. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police typically unlock a car for free but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your costs, but be sure to check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.