How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless.
If you're lucky you'll find that a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If not, you might need to call a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family or friend member
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, like when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever G28 Car Keys , getting locked out of your car is no fun. It's even more stressful when you don't have a spare key. It can be incredibly stressful however the good news is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. This will give them a heads-up that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If they aren't, at least they will be able to help you with other tools to open your vehicle. This could include things like a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous for instance, if an elderly person, a child, or anyone's security is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your location 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 help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods may not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They can help you save lots of stress in the end! You can also store them in a spot where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys inside your car at one point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this scenario, you should always keep your spare key in a secure place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purses or wallets in the event that they lose their keys. You'll always have a spare key with you and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is to contact locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith can open your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on site. They will also offer advice on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you swiftly and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you in your car in a short time, but they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or a wire hook. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. Be calm and only use these techniques as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police or can organize a towing service.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is calling an towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without damaging it. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of that it is able to contact them easily. They may even offer to help you out for no cost. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. They will give you advice for getting into your car and will send someone to help if necessary.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a dangerous location. Always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance particularly in a remote location or on a busy road at night. If you are unsure about how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the doors and windows. You may have left a small window slightly open. This could allow you to gain access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that the majority of insurance policies don't cover the repair costs Therefore, you should be aware before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. 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 leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to find it in the event of need.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can help. The majority of dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. They will probably ask you to show proof of ownership and some other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help reduce the chance to lock yourself out of your car by keeping an extra key in a secure place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of those magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You can also leave a spare with a friend who lives near by or a family member who might be able to help in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle 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 to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.
If you don't have a spare keys and you're in need of roadside assistance. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are other methods to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a hazardous place. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back in the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance that covers your expenses, but make sure to make sure you read the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.