Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Sooner
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 might feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key to allow access to your car. If you don't have an extra key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It is a stressful time however, there are ways to gain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they'll at least be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can use items like a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child or anyone else's security is in danger. They can send an emergency crew to your home, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from family members or friends before you attempt to unlock your own vehicle. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with modern vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. They can be affordable for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you much stress in the long run! You can also keep them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation Keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for your gym. Many people purchase a keychain that they attach to their wallet or purse to protect themselves in the event of losing their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at the go and you won't have to fret about the embarrassment that could result from needing assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging 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 an active member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can be used to get you into your car quickly, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open the car without keys. This includes using a shoelace, or a wire hook. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or damage the lock. Be calm and only employ these techniques only as a last resort. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, it's important to immediately call 911. The police will be able assist you, or they can contact a towing company to assist you.
3. Contact a towing service
Next, you need to contact a towing company. A lot of these companies can open your car's door without harming it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is set in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. They might even offer to help you out for no cost. You can also call non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. You can get tips on how to get into your car, and they will provide assistance if required.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a hazardous area. You must always look around the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a busy highway at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window partially open, which can sometimes allow access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. This is not recommended as it can damage the locks on your car. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key handy. get a spare car key made can keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member to save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to inquire whether they can assist. Most dealers will provide you with a temporary key so that you can return to your car. They may require proof of ownership and some other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can do your part to reduce the likelihood that you will get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave a spare in the hands of a friend who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to help you in a pinch. You may also want to consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car on the phone if you are locked out of your vehicle.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Moody says that some firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Others, such as AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are other ways to open your car without calling roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should only be used as a last option.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are children or pets inside the vehicle, you're stuck in a traffic jam, or your vehicle is in a risky area. It is best to avoid calling the police and instead try other ways of getting back to your vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to ensure. If not, you'll have pay for the locksmith or roadside assistance.