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 overwhelmed and scared.
If you're fortunate you, someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If they can't do this, they should be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. This could include items like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, a child or anyone else's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's best to wait for help from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They will save you much stress in the long term! You can also store them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing when the door is shut.
To avoid make a spare key near me ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open a car without the key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these tricks as a last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle or if you're stuck on an expressway. You can seek help from the police, or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is in your phone or that you know it in order to quickly contact them. They may even offer to help you out for free. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for help particularly in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're unsure how to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could damage the locks of your vehicle. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in a wallet or purse or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. 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 to find out if they are able to assist. Most dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your car. They may require proof of ownership along with other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You can leave a spare to a close friend or family member who may be able help you in a moment of need. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner to call you if you're locked out of your car.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different method of getting back in the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service is your responsibility.