How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If not, you may require a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to help you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is at risk, then you should immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door with a small 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 can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or void the warranty. car spare key near me 's also important to note that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep an extra key in a secure place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from having to call for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on the spot. They will also be able to offer advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is important to stay at peace and use these techniques only as the last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on a highway. The police will be able help you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can call them quickly. They might even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about the issue. They can give you tips on how to get into your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for help particularly in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Check all the windows and doors if you're not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another option is to try and hack 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 also important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be aware before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also call your local dealer and see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They may require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with an acquaintance who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to help you out in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment to 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. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle You should always call emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended not to do so and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your costs, but be sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll need to pay for the locksmith or roadside service.