How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're fortunate, someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't seem to be able to focus. It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to contact your family or friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble. They may be able to bring a spare key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. This can include items such as a doorstop, coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's security is in danger. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your home, who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and trigger security systems, or end the warranty. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening again you should consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. Whatever spare key maker for cars choose, they'll save you lots of stress in the future! It's also a good idea to store them in a secure location that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's a given that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. If you were in a hurry or distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize the door has shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this situation ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on your desk in a snap and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from calling for assistance at the roadside or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is call a locksmith for help. A professional will be able to unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock and even create keys for you immediately. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA, this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable price. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car quickly, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening a car without the key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options 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 an option last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your car or you are stuck on an expressway. The police will be able assist you, or may call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure that the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to reach them easily. They might even offer to help you out for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get into your car and will dispatch an emergency assistance person if needed.
Getting locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous and you must check your surroundings before calling for help. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which can sometimes give access.
Another alternative is to break into your car using tools like a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the costs of these repairs, so you should always be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in a wallet or purse or buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to help. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They may need to see proof of ownership as well as other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can take steps to reduce the chance to get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Place a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your car. You could also leave a spare with an acquaintance who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will vary depending on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or inflatable wedge to open your car without calling roadside assistance. However, these tactics can damage 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. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are on a busy road, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid calling the police and try other ways of getting back into your car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.