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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. It's a sinking feeling that can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're lucky that a family member or friend may have an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we are distracted. For example, when we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able bring an extra key. If not, at least they will be able to help you by using other tools to unlock your 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 stuck inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should call 911 immediately. They can send an emergency team to your location, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky and you're in danger, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before trying to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods could cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. Either way, they will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure place that is easy to access for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that you're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their purse or wallet in case they forget their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about contacting roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
If you don't own a spare, it is recommended to contact an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock, and they can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back into your vehicle quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. 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 at peace and use these techniques only as an option last option. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you are stuck on the highway. The police can assist you, or can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these companies can open your car without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to call them quickly. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. You can get tips on how to get in your vehicle and they'll call someone in case of need.
Being locked out of your vehicle is not a pleasant experience, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. Make sure you check all doors and windows if you are unsure how to unlock your car. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This can sometimes let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your car using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs therefore, you must be aware before using any type of tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can store it in a wallet or purse or buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help out. Most dealers will be able to give you a temporary key so that you can get back into your car. They might require proof of ownership as well as other personal details, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This makes it less likely you'll get locked out. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your car. You can also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in your glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Other companies, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling for assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If lost car key and no spare are unable to unlock your car, you should always call emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a dangerous location. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended to not do this 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 make sure. If not, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.