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. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an emergency locksmith or 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 when we are distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your car. This could include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is at risk. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from family members or friends before attempting to unlock your car. 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 is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long term! You can also put them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a fact that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep a spare key in a safe location at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purses or wallets to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on site. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer 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 a variety of DIY options for opening cars without keys like a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as the last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on the highway. The police will be able assist you, or can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is set into your phone or you know it so that you can easily contact them. You could be eligible for free assistance. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and explain your problem. You can also get advice on how to enter your vehicle and they'll provide assistance if required.
Locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Make sure you check all doors and windows if unsure how to unlock your car. It could be that you've left a window open, which could give you access.
You could also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. But, spare car key cutting isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the repair costs therefore, you must be careful before making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer and see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to assist you in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment to help you quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you are stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. It is recommended to avoid using the police and look for alternative methods of getting to your car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover the cost, but you should check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.