How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car and realize that you’ve locked the keys inside. It’s a sinking feeling that can leave you feeling in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you’re lucky that one of your family members or friends will have an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don’t have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we’re distracted, like when we’re talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn’t seem to be able to focus. It’s not a good feeling to be locked out of your car. It’s even more stressful when you don’t have a spare Key Fob Programming. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are some effective methods to regain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they may be able bring a spare key. If they can’t, at least they will be able to assist by using other tools to unlock your vehicle. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or a child stuck in the house on a hot day or if someone’s physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they’ll send an emergency crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.
If the situation isn’t risky It is recommended to seek help from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to prevent this from occurring again. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or expensive for a smart fob. They will save you much stress in the long run! It’s also a good idea to keep them in a safe place that is accessible for example, in your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
You’re bound to put your keys in your car at one moment. Whether you were in a rush or just distracted, it can be an embarrassing and embarrassing experience when you realize the door has shut and your keys aren’t to be found.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. You’ll always have an extra key in your bag and won’t need to worry about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
If you don’t own a spare, it is best to call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock and even create new keys immediately. They will also offer tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it’s an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open your car without a key for example, a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these options are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as an option last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you’re stuck on an expressway. The police will be able assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. Many of these services are able to unlock 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 so that you can easily contact them. You might be offered assistance for free. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get into your car and will dispatch someone to assist if required.
It’s not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you’re in a hazardous area. You should always check the surroundings before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you’ve left a window partially open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. You should also be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before 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 key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can find it in the event of need.
You can also call your local dealer and see if they can help you out. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys to enable you to return to your car. They will probably need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information, so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to make it less likely that you will be locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help 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 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.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don’t own a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send technicians to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of spare car key of roadside services will vary based on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or are in a hazardous area, then call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost however, it is recommended to not do this and instead, try a different way to get back into the car key spares. If you’re a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but be sure to check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.