How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If try what she says don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they might be able to provide an extra key. If not however, they'll be able to assist with other tools to open your car. You can use items like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible like your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep an extra key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on site. They will also offer advice on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car quickly, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open the car without keys. They include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these techniques aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you must immediately call 911. The police can assist you, or can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. A majority of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. You can also get advice on how to enter your car, and they will call someone in case of need.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for help. Examine all doors and windows if you are not sure how to unlock your vehicle. You may have left a tiny window open. This could let you gain access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage your car's locks. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you must be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask whether they can help out. Most dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can be back in your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also give a spare to a friend who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to assist you in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove box so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you are locked out of the vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have as well as your coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Only call try what she says when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended not to do so and instead, try a different way to get back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll need pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.