How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling panicked and insecure.
If you're fortunate that one of your family members or friends may have an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you may require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, such as when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't completely focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items like a doorstop wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, child or anyone else's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or costly for a high-end fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're bound to put your keys in your car at one time or another. If you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from calling for assistance at the roadside or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on-site. They can also provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you swiftly and at a low cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car quickly, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY options to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately call 911. You can seek assistance from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing service. Many of these services can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know it to be able to call them quickly. You might be offered assistance for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain your problem. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a danger zone. Always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window open, which may give access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs, so you should always be careful before making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They will probably need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This will make it less likely you'll get locked out. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, like AAA, will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always call for emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and instead try other methods of getting back into your car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your costs, but check the terms of your policy to be sure. If spare key made or roadside assistance is your responsibility.
