How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can leave you feeling panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky that a family member or friend has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the 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 child trapped in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately dial 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky It is best to wait for help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure place that is accessible for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at one time or another. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at hand in a hurry and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of having to call for assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and will even create new keys on site. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening cars without keys like a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. You should remain at peace 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 the highway, you must immediately dial 911. The police will be able to help you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without causing damage. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also call the non-emergency police line and let them know about your issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your vehicle and send someone to help if necessary.
replacing car keys without spare 's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a dangerous environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window partially open, which could give you access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of 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 purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see whether they can help out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the likelihood that you will lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can put in the underside of your car. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you're locked out of the vehicle.
You can call roadside help in the event that you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will send a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend 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 calling roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you can't unlock your vehicle it is recommended to contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers the cost, but you should be sure to check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.