How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky that one of your family members or friends will have an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If not, you may need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or friend
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they might be able bring an extra key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that can be used to open the car. This could include things like a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long run! It's recommended to store them in a secure place that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at one point. Whether you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this situation it is recommended to keep a spare key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on-site. They will also be able to 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 promptly and at an affordable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you into your car quickly, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY ways to open the car without keys. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on an expressway. The police can help you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is calling the towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it in order to easily contact them. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternatively, lost my car key and have no spare can also contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your problem. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be risky so it is important to be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for help. Check all the doors and windows if you are uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window open, which can sometimes give access.
You can also try to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can store it in a wallet or purse, 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 friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Many dealers will give you a temporary key so that you can return to your vehicle. They may ask you to show proof of ownership as well as other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance to be locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with someone who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on your membership level and coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Only call emergency services in the event of immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. It is best to avoid calling the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.