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 the keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact a friend or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able to bring a spare key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your car. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, a child or any other person's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location 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 better to seek assistance from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods can damage the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. make spare key near me G28 to note that these methods may not be compatible with newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from occurring again. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also store them in a place that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain they attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create keys for you on the spot. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open cars without keys, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to stay calm and use these tricks only as the last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your car or you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able help you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Always check the surroundings before calling for help particularly in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. Examine all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which can sometimes give you access.
You can also attempt to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. Most dealers will give you an interim key so that you can get back into your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should help reduce the likelihood to get locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You could also leave an extra with a nearby family member or friend who could be able to help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle, you should always call for emergency assistance only if there is a immediate risk. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not, you'll be required to pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.