How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're fortunate that someone in your family or a friend will have an additional key that can allow you access to the vehicle. If not, you may require an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family or friend member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and then close the car door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain just doesn't quite focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your car. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be extremely stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they might be able to bring a spare key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include things like a doorstop coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like the case of an elderly person or a child stuck inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location, who can either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can damage the door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to avoid this from occurring again. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you much stress in the long term! You can also store them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys in your car at some moment. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are not there after closing the door.
To avoid this happening ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe location at work, home or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have a spare key, the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on-site. They'll also be able to provide suggestions on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable cost. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are cheap spare car keys for opening cars without keys, such as a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. It is important to remain calm and only employ these techniques as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or you are on the side of the highway, you should call 911 immediately. You can seek assistance from the police or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you know it so that you can easily reach them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They can provide you with tips for getting into your car and will send someone to assist if required.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car especially when you're in a dangerous environment. Always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy road at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the windows and doors. You might have left a small window slightly open. This may let you gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. It can be kept in a wallet or purse, or you can buy a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave their spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask whether they can help out. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for evidence of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can do your part to make it less likely to get locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that can be tucked away in the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to help 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 in the glove box to help you quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone if you're locked out of the car.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have and your insurance plan.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without having to call roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you are trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a risky place. It is best to avoid contacting the police and instead 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 ensure. If not, you'll need to pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.