How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member will have a spare key that can give access to your car. 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
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we are distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
car key spare near me is to call a friend or family member. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use things like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency team to your home, who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It's also important to note that certain methods may not work with the latest models, as they have special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to prevent this from occurring again. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access, such as in your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at one moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep a spare key in a secure place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain is attached to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and even create new keys on the spot. They will also be able to provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening cars without keys like a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of a highway, you must immediately call 911. You can seek assistance from the police or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call an towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it in order to easily contact them. You might be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about the issue. You can get tips on how to get in your car and they'll send someone if needed.
Locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which may give you access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be aware before using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. It can be kept in your purse or wallet or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can help. The majority of dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can be back in your vehicle. They may require proof of ownership as well as other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You could also leave one with a friend or family member who could be able to help you in a moment of need. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have as well as your coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different method of getting back in the vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage, this will probably cover your costs, but be sure to check the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll have to pay for the locksmith or roadside service.