How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky that someone in your family or a friend will have an extra key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you may need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush 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 program and our brains don't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful situation, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member 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 a minimum be able to help you with other tools that can be used to unlock the car. spare key cost can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if you believe the situation is dangerous, such as if an elderly person, child, or anyone's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to open 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 cause damage to the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to avoid this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to store them in a safe place that is accessible like your wallet or purse.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep a spare key in a secure place at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. You will always have an extra key on hand and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and can even create keys for you immediately. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If spare key maker for cars 're a member of AAA you can get locksmith services delivered to you swiftly and at an affordable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these techniques aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as the last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able to help you, or they can contact a towing company for you.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it so that you can easily reach them. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them the issue. You can receive tips on how to get in your car and they'll send someone if needed.
It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a danger zone. Always check the surroundings before calling for help particularly in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you've left a window partially 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 the locks on your car. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. 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 reach out to your local dealer to inquire if they are able to help. Most dealers will give you an emergency key so you can get back into your vehicle. They will probably ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll be locked out. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or in one of the magnetic containers that you can put in the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives near by or a family member who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, also known as VIN, written on a piece paper in the glove compartment to help you quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you're locked out of your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key, you can call roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the membership level you have and your insurance plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should only be used as the last resort.
If you're unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call emergency assistance only if there is in immediate danger. 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 are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another way to get back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to ensure. If not, you will have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.