How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key to give access to your car. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble. They may be able to bring an extra key. If not, they'll at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. You can use things like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child trapped in a hot room or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. You can call 911 and they will send a crew to your location to either break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it's better to seek assistance from family members or friends before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It is important to know that these methods may not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from repeating itself. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They will save you much stress in the long term! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is accessible for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this happening, you should always keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on the spot. They can also provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car in a short time, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key. These include using a shoelace or wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is important to stay in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you must call 911 immediately. The police will be able to help you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a 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 ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can easily reach them. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
Locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're stuck in a hazardous location. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous and you must check your surroundings before calling for help. If you aren't sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. You might have left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You can also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to your car's locks. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can help. Most dealers will provide you with an emergency key so you can get back into your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. G28 Car Keys
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with someone who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to help you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece paper in the glove box to be able to quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you are locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Certain companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
Always call emergency services if there is an immediate threat if you can't 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 risky area. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead find a different way to get back into the car. If you are a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll need pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.