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 lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you may need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
- Contact a family member or a friend
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience, but the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring an extra car key. If not, at least they will be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's safety is at risk. You can call 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is best to wait for help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods can damage the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to avoid this from repeating itself. They can be inexpensive for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a place where they are easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
- Call for a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. Whether you were in a rush or distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has been shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep your spare key in a secure place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your car without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on the spot. They can also give you advice on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services are able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open a car without the key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These options are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only use these techniques as a last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to call 911 immediately. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
- Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. Many of these services are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is programmed into your phone or that you know it in order to quickly contact them. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and explain the issue. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a hazardous area. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky, so you should always check your surroundings before calling for assistance. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which may give access.
You can also attempt to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could 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 therefore, you must be careful before making use of any tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also call your local dealer to see whether 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 need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal information, so be prepared for that.
- Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to make it less likely that you'll get locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra to a close family member or friend who may be able help you in a moment of need. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain 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 differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can damage your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car, you should always call for emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a car for free, but it's recommended not to do so and instead, try a different way to get back into the car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.
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