5 Laws Everybody In Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key Should Know
How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle only to realize that you've locked your keys inside. You might 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 not, you'll need to call an locksmith or towing service to get help.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We can shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating 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 an acquaintance or family member. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they might even bring a spare car key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. You can make use of items such as an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like if there is an elderly person or a child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation is not risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can assist you in unlocking your vehicle. DIY methods can damage the door and activate security systems, or invalidate your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future you should consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. In either case, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a location that is easily accessible, such as your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this happening it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe place at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their wallet or purse to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on your desk in a snap and don't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing assistance at the roadside or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your car without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on site. They can also provide tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an easy decision; they will provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your car quickly but they can cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening cars without keys for example, a shoelace, wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is crucial to remain calm and use these tricks only as an option last option. Contact 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you are stuck on a highway. The police will be able assist you, or they may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to call an towing service. A majority of these services will open your car's door without causing damage. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to reach them easily. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the police non-emergency line and tell them your issue. You can receive tips on how to get in your car and they'll call someone in case of need.
Getting locked out of your car is never fun, especially when you are stranded in an unsafe environment. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be hazardous and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to asking for help. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is important to check all of the windows and doors. You might have left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another option is to try and break into your car using tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage the locks of your vehicle. It is also important to note that most insurance policies don't cover the repair costs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your wallet or purse. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people leave a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friends so that they can find it in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see if they are able to help. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your car. They might ask you to show proof of ownership and some other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
Keep your spare in a secure location. This will make it less likely you'll lock yourself out. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You can also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives close by or a family member who might be able to help you out in the event of a crisis. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle should you get locked out.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have a spare. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Some companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will vary depending on your membership level and the coverage plan.
You can also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to open your car without contacting roadside assistance. However, these methods can damage your door and should be used only as an emergency.
Call emergency services only when there is immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If spare car key replacement cost have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free however, it is best to avoid doing so and instead try another way to get back into the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Examine the terms of your policy to confirm. If not the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.