How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're fortunate that a family member or friend has an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally close the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more stressful when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This can include items like a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to call 911 immediately. They can send an emergency crew to your location who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to stop this from happening again. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. In either case, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are not there after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation it is recommended to keep an extra key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of having to call for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA, this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. Furthermore, spare car keys of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and are more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on an expressway. You can seek help from the police or can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is calling an towing service. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is set in your phone or you know that it is able to call them quickly. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about your problem. You can also get advice on how to enter your vehicle, and they will call someone in case of need.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window open, which could give access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it could damage your car's locks. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the costs of these repairs Therefore, you should be aware before making use of any kind of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave their spare car key with a family member or trusted friend to be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can return to your vehicle. They may require proof of ownership as well as other personal information so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to make it less likely that you'll get locked out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You could also leave one with a friend or family member who could be able to help you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box so that you can quickly get the vehicle's owner to call you if you are locked out of the car.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should only be used as an emergency.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's best to avoid doing so and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, you'll have pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.