How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking feeling that makes you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can give access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're talking on the phone with someone or listening to radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Call your family member or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring a spare car key. If not however, they'll be able to assist with other tools to open your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop coat hanger wire or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child locked in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately dial 911. They can send an emergency team to your location who will either use a small jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it's better to seek assistance from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door, trigger security systems or void the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with the latest models because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Either way, they will save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this happening, you should always 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 wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at the go and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up calling for assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and even create you new keys immediately. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you promptly and at an affordable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. i lost my car key and no spare are able to get you in your car in a short time, but they may cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open a car without the key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you must immediately dial 911. The police can help you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the number is programmed into your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. They might even offer to help you out for free. You can also contact non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a danger zone. You should always check the surroundings before calling for help, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's important to check all of the windows and doors. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which may allow you access.
You can also try to break into your car with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. You can keep it in a purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member to save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to see if they are able to assist. Many dealers will give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should help make it less likely that you'll lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave an extra with a family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly get the vehicle's owner to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a few hours. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
You can also employ a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without calling roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your vehicle it is recommended to contact emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a risky location. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back in the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your expenses, but make sure to be sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, you'll have to pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.