How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel panicked and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Other times it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger 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 at risk and you need to immediately dial 911. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work on newer cars, as they have special locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future take into consideration buying a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can help you save much stress in the long run! You can also store them in a location where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep a spare key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain they attach to their wallet or purse in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock, and even create you new keys immediately. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at a low cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your car in a short time, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY options for opening your car without a key, such as a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. cheap spare car keys are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these methods as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on a highway. The police will be able assist you, or can call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance, ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. They may even offer to come and help you out for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and tell them the issue. They will give you advice for getting into your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
Being locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're trapped in an unsafe environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to asking for help. If cheap spare car keys how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window open, which may give access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. 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 that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they can help you out. Many dealers will be able to give you an interim key so that you can be back in your car. They might need to see proof of ownership and some other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep the spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave one with a family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone when you're locked out of the vehicle.
If you do not have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, such as AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
There are several other methods to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your car it is recommended to call emergency services only if it is a immediate risk. This includes if there are pets or children inside the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a dangerous place. It is best to avoid contacting the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.