How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked the 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 give you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a family member or friend
We can 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 on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting 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 incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are effective ways to regain access.
Contact a family member or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your car. This could include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. spare keys near me can call 911 and they'll send a crew to your home to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not be compatible with newer automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! You can also store them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. Whether you were in a hurry or just distracted, it can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe location at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purse or wallet to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. spare keys near me , you will have the spare key on the go and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own an extra key, it's best to call a professional locksmith. A professional will be able open your car without causing damage to the lock and they can even make new keys immediately. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at a reasonable cost. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as the last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on the highway. The police will be able assist you, or they can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call the towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it to be able to reach them easily. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about the issue. You can get tips on how to get into your vehicle, and they will call someone in case of need.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which may give access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your car. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be careful before using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase an auto key holder with a magnetic box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. Many dealers will be able to provide you with an interim key so that you can get back into your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to make it less likely to lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with an acquaintance who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle in case you lock yourself out.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the level of membership you have and the insurance plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these tactics can damage your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your car it is recommended to call for emergency services only in the event that there is a immediate risk. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. The police will typically unlock a car for free however, it is recommended to not do this and instead, try a different way to get back into the car. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.