How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate that one of your family members or friends may have an extra key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Sometimes it happens because we are distracted. For example, when we're on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't fun. Particularly when click through the following web site don't have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble. They may be able to provide an extra key. If not do this, they should be able to help you with other tools to open your car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who can either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous, it's best to wait for help from family or friends before you attempt to unlock your car. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as end the warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These are usually inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a place that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that you're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize 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 safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain that they can attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have the spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of calling for roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and can even create new keys on the spot. They can also give you suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These options are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or damage the lock. You should remain calm and only employ these methods as a last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should call 911 immediately. The police will be able assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily reach them. They might even offer to come and help you out for free. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a dangerous environment. 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're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window open, which could allow access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to save them if they need to.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to a friend who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You may also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you're locked out of your vehicle.
You can call roadside help if you don't own a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, such as AAA, will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can harm your door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are pets or children inside 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 free however, it is recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your costs, but be sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.