How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If not, you may require a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, when we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't fun. Especially when you have no spare key! It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will let them know that you're in trouble, and they might even bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include things like a doorstop coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous It is recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your own vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. g28carkeys.co.uk is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work on newer cars, as they have specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying an extra car key to stop this from repeating itself. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll help you avoid a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is accessible, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at one point. If you were in a hurry or simply distracted, it's a frustrating and embarrassing moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation ensure you have a spare key at your home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing to do is to call an expert locksmith. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and even create keys for you on the spot. They will also be able to provide tips on how to avoid getting 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 quickly and at a reasonable price. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY options to open cars without keys for example, a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage 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 children or pets in your vehicle or if you're stuck on an expressway. You can seek assistance from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call the towing company. A majority of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance, ensure 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 free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your problem. They can give you tips for getting into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
Getting locked out of your car is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in a dangerous location. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. Examine all doors and windows if uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which can sometimes give access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies do not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. You can store it in your purse or wallet, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out whether they can assist. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys to allow you to return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help make it less likely that you will lock yourself out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives nearby or an individual from your family who might be able to help out in the event of a crisis. 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 in case you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Moody says that certain 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 right away. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Call emergency services only 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 highway, or in a risky area, you should contact 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 method of getting back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers the cost, but you should check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance is your responsibility.