How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You might feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, someone in your family or a friend will have an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If not, you might require an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able to bring a spare key. If not do this, they should be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. This could include items such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately call 911. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency team to your location to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with the latest models because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you lots of stress in the end! It's recommended to store them in a secure place that is accessible, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It is inevitable to put your keys in your car at some time or another. Whether spare car keys made near me were in a rush or simply distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep a spare key in a safe location at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on-site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services will be able to get you in your car in a short time, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as the last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact the towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you know it so that you can quickly contact them. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. You might have left a small window slightly open. This may allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be careful before making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in a wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Many dealers will provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership and some other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help reduce the chance to get locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to help out in the event of a crisis. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, you will be required to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.