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 may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky that one of your family members or friends has an additional key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, locked key in car no spare may need to call an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member, or a friend
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are efficient 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 might even bring a spare car key. If they aren't do this, they should be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. 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, a child, or anyone's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who will either use a slim 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. DIY methods could cause damage to your door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening again you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a location that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some time. Whether you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
In order to avoid this scenario ensure that you keep a spare key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain they attach to their purse or wallet in case they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of calling for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys on the spot. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're 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 auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options for opening your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or damage your window. It is important to remain calm and only use these techniques as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, you should call 911 immediately. The police can assist you, or may call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
Being locked out of your car 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 in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're unsure how to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
You could 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 vehicle. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be careful when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in a purse or wallet, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people leave 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 find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will give you an emergency key so you can return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to make it less likely that you will lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare with someone who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of a roadside service will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. However, these techniques could harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you're stuck on a busy road, or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's best to avoid doing so and instead find a different method of getting back in the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.