How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky, someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they could even bring a spare car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist you with other tools to open your car. This can include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child stuck inside on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to call 911 immediately. car key spare near me can call 911 and they'll send an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's better to seek assistance from family or friends before attempting to unlock your car. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. spare key shop near me 's also important to know that certain methods may not work with newer vehicles, as they have special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from repeating itself. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you lots of stress in the end! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at one point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep your spare key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys immediately. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have locksmiths delivered to you swiftly and at an affordable price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car in a short time, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY ways to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle or if you are stuck on an expressway. You can seek help from the police or can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. Many of these services can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to contact them easily. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.
Getting locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in a hazardous location. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window open, which could give access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can return to your car. They might require proof of ownership and some other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can take steps to make it less likely to get locked out of your vehicle by keeping your spare keys in a secure place. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could leave a spare with a nearby friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a hurry. 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 on the phone when you are locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are several alternatives to unlock your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should only be used as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle You should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is an immediate danger. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous location. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover the cost, but you should make sure you read the terms of your policy to be sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.