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 feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If not, you may need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes get a spare key made near me happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be stressful but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If they can't do this, they should be able to assist you with other tools that will allow you to open 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 trapped in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
Unless the situation is dangerous and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your car. DIY methods can damage the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work on newer cars, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be inexpensive for a simple key made of metal or expensive for a smart fob. They can save you lots of stress in the end! You can also put them in a place where they are easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on site. They will also be able to offer advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you promptly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car in a short time, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open the car without keys. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. You should remain at peace and use these tricks only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek help from the police or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to reach them easily. You could be eligible for free assistance. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. Unknown roads or places at night can be risky and you must check your surroundings before asking for assistance. If you aren't sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can help. Most dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to reduce the chance that you'll be locked out of your car by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave a spare with a friend who lives nearby or a family member who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
If you don't have a spare keys and you're in need of roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and your insurance plan.
There are other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these tactics can cause damage to your door and should only be used as an emergency.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to 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 hazardous area. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's recommended to not do this and instead, try a different way to get back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.