How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle and realize you've locked the keys inside. You might feel helpless and panicked.
If you're fortunate you, a family member or friend may have an extra key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Sometimes, we are distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone to someone else or listening to the radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble, and they could even bring an extra car key. If not however, they'll be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as if there is an elderly person or child stuck inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency crew to your home to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before trying to unlock your car. i need a spare key for my car is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as void the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with the latest models due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a simple key made of metal or costly for a sophisticated fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. i need a spare key for my car can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep an extra key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people purchase a keychain that can be attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and will not have to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing you can do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create new keys immediately. They'll also be able to offer advice about 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 promptly and at a low cost. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back into your vehicle quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open cars without keys, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. It is important to stay calm and use these tricks only as the last option. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of a highway, you must immediately dial 911. You can get help from the police, or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call an towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without harming it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it so that you can reach them easily. You could be eligible for assistance for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Getting locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a dangerous location. You should always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a remote location or on a road that is busy at night. Examine all doors and windows if uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which could give access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can either 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 even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can be back in your car. They may ask you to show proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep an extra in a secure place. This makes it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside of your vehicle. You can leave a spare to a close family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece paper inside the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of your vehicle.
It is possible to call roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith right away. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last option.
If you can't unlock your vehicle, you should always contact emergency assistance only if there is a immediate risk. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a dangerous area. It is best to avoid contacting the police and instead try alternative methods of getting to your vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.