How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky, one of your family members or friends has an extra key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you may need to call a locksmith or a towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
It is possible to shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If not, they'll at the very least help you with other tools that can be used to open the car. You can use items like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or child locked inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately call 911. They can send an emergency team to your home, who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with modern cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this scenario ensure you have a spare key at home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and will not have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on site. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you quickly and at an affordable price. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to open cars without keys for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is essential to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as the last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately dial 911. G28 will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact an towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to reach them easily. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact the non-emergency police line and let them know about the issue. You can also get advice on how to get into your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a hazardous area. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. Make sure you check all windows and doors if you're not sure how to unlock your car. You might have left a tiny window open. This could allow you to gain access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to know that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to help. The majority of dealers will be able to provide you with a temporary key so that you can get back into your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you are locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you're unable to unlock your car it is recommended to call emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or are in a dangerous area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free but it's recommended not to do so and instead, try a different way to get back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to make sure. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.