How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle only to realize that you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling overwhelmed 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 car. If not, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have an extra key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they might be able bring an extra key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that can be used to open the car. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening such as when an elderly person, child, or anyone's safety is at risk. You can call 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from friends or family members before trying to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this situation ensure that you keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that is attached to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and they can even make new keys immediately. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If spare car keys near me 're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening your car without a key, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is important to remain calm and only employ these methods only as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can get help from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to contact the towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you know it to be able to reach them easily. You may be offered free assistance. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. You can get tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window open, which may allow you access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help. Many dealers will give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can put in the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to someone who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to help out in a pinch. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner to call you if you're locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Others, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid contacting the police and try other ways of getting back to your car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but make sure you read the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll be required pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.