How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give access to your car. If not, you may require an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we are distracted, such as when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able to provide a spare key. If they can't do this, they should be able to assist with other tools to open your vehicle. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can send an emergency team to your home, who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to your door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with the latest models due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from occurring again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They will save you much stress in the long term! You can also store them in a location that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at work, home or in 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. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and even create keys for you on the spot. They will also be able to provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services are able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these techniques only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you are stuck on an expressway. You can get help from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without harming it. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is set into your phone or you know it so that you can easily reach them. They might even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your problem. They can provide you with tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a dangerous environment. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your car, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window open, which could allow access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. Be spare car key price that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. 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 reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to help. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They will probably require proof of ownership and some 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 purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a risky place. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your costs, but check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.