Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member will have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they might be able to bring a spare key. If not however, they'll be able to help you with other tools to open your vehicle. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is hazardous, such as if an elderly person, a child or anyone else's security is in danger. You can dial 911 and they will send a crew to your location to break the window or unlock the door with a small jim.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until someone else can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods could damage the door and also activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. It's important to note that these methods might not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider buying a spare car key to stop this from occurring again. These are usually inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a place where they are 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 point. It can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your keys are missing after closing the door.
In order to avoid this happening it is recommended to keep an extra key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and won't need to worry about calling roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on site. They can also provide suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're a member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you promptly and at an affordable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your vehicle quickly, however they could cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are numerous DIY alternatives to unlock your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these techniques are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is crucial to remain in a calm state and use these methods only as the last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on an expressway. You can seek assistance from the police or they can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing service
The next step is to call the towing company. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your car without damaging the door lock. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it in order to easily reach them. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and tell them the issue. You can get tips on how to get into your car, and they will call someone in case of need.
Getting locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you're stuck in a hazardous location. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be dangerous, so you should always examine your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you have left a window partially open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another option is to try and hack into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to remember that most insurance policies don't cover the cost of these repairs Therefore, you should be aware before using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. It can be kept in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the bottom of your vehicle. spare key fob for car keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can be able to retrieve it should they need to.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire if they are able to assist. Many dealers will provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the chance that you'll lock yourself out of your car by keeping a spare key in a secure place. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your car. You could also leave a spare in the hands of someone who lives close by or an individual from your family who might be able to help in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and storing it in your glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you are locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will differ based on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. However, these techniques could cause damage to your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you are unable to unlock your vehicle it is recommended to call for emergency services only if it is a immediate risk. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are on a busy highway, or are in a dangerous area, then call emergency services. It is recommended to avoid using the police and instead try other ways of getting back into your car. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to confirm. If not, you'll be required pay out of pocket for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.