How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
It is possible to shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to assist you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. You can call 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It is also important to remember that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. Whatever get spare key made near me choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also put them in a spot that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this happening, you should always keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of needing assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on the spot. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you swiftly and at a low cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These techniques are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to stay at peace and use these techniques only as the last resort. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you must immediately dial 911. The police can assist you, or may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling an towing service. Many of these services are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to call them quickly. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and let them know about the issue. You can get tips on how to get into your car and they'll provide assistance if required.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which may give you access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to reduce the likelihood to get locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe place. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or a family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner on the phone if you're locked out of your car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and the coverage plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and look for other methods of getting back to your vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your costs, but make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you will need to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.