How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're lucky you, a family member or friend will have an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able bring a spare key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency team to your home, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They will save you lots of stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
To avoid this Keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing 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 to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and even create you new keys immediately. They will 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 locksmiths delivered to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. G28 Car Keys for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are several DIY alternatives to open cars without keys, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. The police can assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. They might even offer to help you out for free. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. You can receive tips on how to enter your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a dangerous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help, especially if you are in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Check all the doors and windows if you are unsure how to unlock your vehicle. You might have left a small window slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies do not cover the repair costs, so you should always be aware before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can get back into your vehicle. They will probably require proof of ownership and some other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help reduce the chance that you'll be locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help in a pinch. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you are locked out of your vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should only be used as an emergency.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a risky area. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.