How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you might need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able bring an extra key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your car. You can use things like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child trapped in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your home to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or end the warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from occurring again. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a place where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep a spare key in a safe location at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys immediately. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain at peace and use these techniques only as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. The police can assist you, or may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. You may be offered free assistance. car key fob replacement can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous and you must examine your surroundings prior to asking for help. Examine all doors and windows if you are uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave one with a nearby friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and your insurance plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.