How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate that someone in your family or a friend will have an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, when we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not, spare car key cutting near me at least be able to help you with other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include things such as a doorstop, wire coat hanger or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's security is in danger. They can send an emergency team to your location who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is better to seek assistance from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your car. DIY methods may damage the door and also activate security systems or void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not work with the latest automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They will save you much stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at one point. It doesn't matter if you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. You'll always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on site. They can also provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open a car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain calm and use these tricks only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. The police can assist you, or can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is calling the towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know that it is able to contact them easily. They might even offer to come and help you out for no cost. You can also contact 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.
Locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. 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's important to check all of the doors and windows. You may have left a window that was slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your car. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. They may need to see proof of ownership and some other personal details 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 the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare with a family member or friend who may be able help you in a hurry. You could also think about writing 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 if you get locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Moody says that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car it is recommended to contact emergency services only if it is a immediate risk. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a risky place. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's recommended not to do so and instead find a different way to get back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, you'll need pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.