How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be stressful however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able to provide an extra key. If they can't however, they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as the case of an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately dial 911. You can call 911 and they will send an emergency crew to your home to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It's important to note that these methods may not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to prevent this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a simple key made of metal or costly for a high-end fob. They can save you lots of stress in the long run! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
In order to avoid this situation it is recommended to keep your spare key in a secure place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. You'll always have an extra key on hand and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on site. They will also offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA, this is an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable price. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening a car without the key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These options are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to remain calm and only employ these tricks as a last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on the highway. The police will be able to help you, or they may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call the towing company. A majority of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily contact them. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a dangerous environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be hazardous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to asking for help. If webpage how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. You may have left a tiny window open. This could let you gain access.
webpage is to break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be cautious when using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a purse or wallet or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer to see whether they can help out. Many dealers will be able to give you an interim key so that you can return to your vehicle. They may require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help reduce the chance that you will get locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to assist you out in a pinch. You could also think about 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 in case you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Call emergency services only if there is an immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead find a different way to get back into the vehicle. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers the cost, but you should be sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.