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 leave your car and realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate, someone in your family or a friend may have an additional key that can give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are rushing to get somewhere and then shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, such as 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. It's even worse when you don't have a spare key. It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call your family or friend. This will inform them that you're in trouble, and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they will at least be able to assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. This could include items like a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire or even 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 call 911 and they'll send a crew to your home to break the window or open the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best 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's also important to note that some of these methods might not work with the latest models due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. spare car key cutting can be affordable for a basic metal key or costly for a sophisticated fob. They will save you a great deal of stress in the end! It's recommended to store them in a secure location that is easy to access, such as in your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys inside your car at some moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing when the door is shut.
In order to avoid this scenario ensure that you keep your spare key in a safe place at home, work, or your gym bag. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallet or purse in case they forget their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key at your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about embarrassment if you end up having to call for assistance on the road or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on-site. They will also offer suggestions on how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle 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 price. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can be used to help you get into your car in a short time, but they could cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without the key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as the last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have children or pets in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police can help you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call an towing service. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies, make sure that the number is in your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. Alternately, you can contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. They will give you advice on how to get in your car and will dispatch someone to help if necessary.
Locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in an unsafe environment. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for help particularly if you're in an unfamiliar place or on a busy highway at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your car, it is crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It could be that you have left a window slightly open, which can sometimes give you access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is also important to note that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the repair costs therefore, you must be careful before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also call your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. The majority of dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can return to your vehicle. They will probably require proof of ownership as well as other personal details so be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This will make it less likely you'll be locked out. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra with a family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You may also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to be able to quickly contact the owner of your vehicle on the phone when you're locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance in the event that you don't have a spare. Some companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send an expert to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Certain companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of a roadside service will depend on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
There are a few other ways to open your car without requesting assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.
If you are unable to unlock your car it is recommended to call emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. It is best to avoid using the police and instead try other methods of getting back to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your costs, but check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, you will need pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside assistance.