"Ask Me Anything:10 Answers To Your Questions About Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key
How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You get out of your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're lucky you'll find a family or friend member may have a spare key to give access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member or friend
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, it happens because we're distracted. For example, when we're on the phone to someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car isn't fun. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
Call your family member or a friend. They will be notified that you're in trouble and they might even bring an extra car key. If not, they will at least be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can use items like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped in the house on a hot day, or if someone's physical safety is in danger and you need to call 911 immediately. You can dial 911 and they'll send a crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a thin jim.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is important to know that these methods might not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To prevent this from happening in the future you should consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! You can also put them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's a given that you're bound to lock your keys in your car at some time. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain that they can attach to their wallets or purses in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on hand in a hurry and don't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up needing assistance on the road or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare, it is recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to offer advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are numerous DIY ways to open the car without keys. These include using a shoelace or a wire hook. These methods are dangerous, time-consuming, and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last resort. Contact spare key cutting if have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call an towing service. Many of these services can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is set in your phone or you know it to be able to contact them easily. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also contact non-emergency police and tell them about your issue. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a danger zone. Unknown roads or places at night can be risky and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for help. Check all the windows and doors if you're uncertain about what to do to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This can sometimes allow you to gain access.
You could also try to gain entry into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your purse or wallet. You can keep it in a purse or wallet or purchase an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member so that they can save them if they need to.
You can also contact your local dealer to find out whether they can help. The majority of dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can return to your vehicle. They may require 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 that you'll be locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe place. Stash a spare in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes that can be hidden in the underside of your vehicle. You could also leave an extra to a close friend or family member who may be able help you in a moment of need. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment to quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
If you do not have a spare key or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within an hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
There are alternatives to unlock your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or a Bobby pin. These tactics can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, you are on a busy road or are in a hazardous zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid using the police and instead try alternative methods of getting to your car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover the cost, but you should make sure you read the conditions of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll have pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.