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. You might feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't completely focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they'll at the very least assist you with other tools that can be used to open the car. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous such as when an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before trying to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to prevent this from happening again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to keep them in a safe place that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to put your keys in your car at one time or another. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this, keep a spare at home, your workplace or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your car without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on-site. They can also give you tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at an affordable price. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without a key. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain calm and only use these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able to help you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your issue. You can get tips on how to get in your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in an unsafe environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the doors and windows. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which could give you access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful when 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 in your pocket. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer to see if they can help you out. Many dealers will give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to reduce the chance that you'll get locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep spare key maker near me in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic containers that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of your vehicle.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
You could also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Only 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 area, you should contact emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.