How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member will have a spare key to allow you access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, such as when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If not however, they'll be able to help you with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. This could include things such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they will send an emergency team to your location to either break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous It is better to seek assistance from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the long run! You can also store them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for exercise. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up calling for assistance at the roadside or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra set of keys, it's recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on site. They'll also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car quickly, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY options to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These options are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to stay at peace and use these techniques only as an option last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or if you're stuck on the side of the highway, you should immediately call 911. The police will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is set into your phone or you know it in order to easily reach them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. make a spare car key near me will give you advice on how to get into your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in a remote location or on a busy road at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window open, which may give access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could damage your car's locks. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can store it in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can assist. The majority of dealers will be able to give you a temporary key so that you can return to your car. They will probably require proof of ownership along with other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance to lock yourself out of your car by keeping an extra key in a safe location. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives close by or a family member who might be able to help out in the event of a crisis. You could also write 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 should you are locked out.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. more info of roadside services will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are several alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Only call emergency services if there is an immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. It is recommended to avoid using the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your vehicle. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.