How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate you, someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
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. Other times it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be stressful, but there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they might even bring an extra car key. If not, they'll at the very least help you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things like a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is hazardous such as when an elderly person, a child or anyone else's security is in danger. You can call 911 and they'll send an emergency team to your home to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it's recommended to seek help from family or friends before attempting to unlock your vehicle on your own. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from happening again. These can be cheap for a simple metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save much stress in the long run! You can also store them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to find out that keys are missing when the door is shut.
In order to avoid this situation, you should always keep your spare key in a safe place at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purses or wallets in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They will even create new keys on site. They'll also be able to provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at a low cost. The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car in a short time, but they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these techniques can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. You should remain calm and only use these techniques as a last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should immediately call 911. You can get help from the police or can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you are a roadside assistance customer, ensure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send someone to assist if required.
It's never fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a danger zone. Always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a small window slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool that allows 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 buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with someone in the family or a trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives near by or someone from your family who may be able to help in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have an extra. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle You should always contact emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. spare car key cutting near me are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to confirm. If not, you will have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.