How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow access to your car. If not, you might require a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can use items like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is threatening for instance, if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's safety is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's also important to know that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles, as they have specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure location that is accessible for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some point. Whether you were in a rush or distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to worry 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 contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on site. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening a car without the key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. Be calm and only employ these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is calling an towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If car spare key near me are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can contact them easily. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain your problem. You can get tips on how to enter your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
Getting locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a hazardous location. Always check the surroundings before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which may give you access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can store it in a purse or wallet or buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see if they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. They may ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood to get locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra to a close family member or friend who could be able to help you in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone when you're locked out of your car.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody says that some firms are experts at 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 a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are a few alternatives to unlock your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as a last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and try other methods of getting back to your vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.