How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and helpless.
If you're fortunate you, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or a friend
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not do this, they should be able to assist you by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or child stuck in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should call 911 immediately. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the long term! It's also a good idea to keep them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there when the door is shut.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at home, at work, or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at the go and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from calling for assistance on the road or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create new keys immediately. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car in a short time, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. However, spare car key cut aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. You should remain at peace and use these techniques only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you should immediately dial 911. The police will be able assist you, or can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it in order to quickly contact them. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and let them know about your problem. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. You might have left a small window slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. Many dealers will give you temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse, or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in the event of a crisis. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have an extra. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Others, such as AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the level of membership you have as well as your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another method of getting back in the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you will have pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.