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 your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're fortunate, one of your family members or friends will have an additional key that could allow access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a family member or friend
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child stuck inside on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk, then you should call 911 immediately. locked key in car no spare can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also put them in a place that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at one point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and will not have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional will be able to open your car without damaging the lock, and they can even make keys for you on the spot. They will also be able to offer tips on how to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace, or a wire hook. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on the highway. The police will be able to assist you, or can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without harming it. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is in your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact the police non-emergency line and explain the issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a danger zone. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be dangerous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the doors and windows. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This could let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent 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 car. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer to see if they can help you out. Many dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can get back into your car. They will probably require proof of ownership as well as other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe place. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave one with a friend or family member who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the membership level you have and the insurance plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or are in a hazardous area, then call emergency services. The police typically unlock a car for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back into the vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover the cost, but you should make sure you read the terms of your policy to be sure. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.