Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known In The Past
How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your car and realise you've locked your keys inside. You may feel helpless and panicked.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key that can give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Contact a family member or a friend
We may close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brain doesn't completely focus. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Particularly if you do not have a spare key! It can be stressful however, there are ways to gain access.
Contact your family member or friend. This will give them a heads-up that you are in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. This could include items like a doorstop, wire coat hanger, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or child locked in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger, then you should immediately dial 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your location to break the window or open the door with a small jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until someone else can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to your door, activate security systems or invalidate your warranty. make a spare car key near me 's also important to note that some of these methods might not work with the latest models due to their special locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing an extra car key to avoid this from happening again. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save much stress in the long term! You can also put them in a place where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at one moment. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this scenario Keep a spare at home, at work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their wallets or purses in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on the go and won't have to worry about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is call an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your car without damaging the lock, and can even make new keys on-site. They will also be able to provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're a member of AAA, this is an obvious option; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a reasonable cost. The most comprehensive insurance policies for automobiles also provide roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly however, they may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these methods are risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. Be calm and only employ these tricks only as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you should call 911 immediately. The police can help you, or they may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is calling an towing service. A lot of these companies are able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed into your phone or you are aware of it so that you can reach them easily. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police and inform them about your problem. You can get tips on how to get into your vehicle, and they will provide assistance if required.
Getting locked out of your car is not a pleasant experience, especially when you are stranded in a hazardous location. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be hazardous, so you should always check your surroundings before calling for assistance. Examine all windows and doors if you're uncertain about how to unlock your car. It is possible that you left a window that was slightly open. This may let you gain access.
You can also attempt to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. However, this is not advised and could cause damage to the locks on your car. It is important to know that the majority of insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you must be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and stick it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also call your local dealer and see whether they can help you out. Many dealers will be able to give you an emergency key so you can return to your vehicle. Be prepared for proof of ownership as well as other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should do your part to reduce the likelihood to be locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a secure place. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic containers that you can hide on the underside your vehicle. You can also leave an extra with a friend or family member who could be able to help you in a hurry. You might also consider writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle if you get locked out.
If you don't have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within an hour or so, according to Moody. Other companies, like AAA will send a locksmith straight away. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these techniques could damage your door and should only be used as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only if it is an immediate danger. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. The police will typically unlock a car for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. You may be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Review the policy's terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith service will be your responsibility.