How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're fortunate that one of your family members or friends has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able to provide an extra key. If not, they'll at the very least help you out with some other tools that can be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like when there is an elderly person or child locked in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's better to seek assistance from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is because DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! G28 Car Keys 's recommended to store them in a secure place that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and will not have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even create you new keys on the spot. They can also give you tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening cars without keys for example, a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. Be at peace and use these techniques as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if 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 service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky, so you should always check your surroundings before asking for help. Examine all doors and windows if not sure how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which may allow you access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and 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 rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. The majority of dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help make it less likely that you will lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet, or one of the magnetic containers that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives close by or a family member who might be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car You should always contact emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid calling the police and look for other ways of getting back into your car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, you'll be required to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.