The No. 1 Question Anyone Working In Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key Needs To Know How To Answer
How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You walk away from your vehicle and realize you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel in a state of panic and insecure.
If you're lucky you, one of your family members or friends has an additional key that could allow you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you might need to contact an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Contact a family member, or friend
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, for example, when we're talking to someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't quite focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. It's even more frustrating when you don't have an extra key. It can be a stressful experience however the good news is that there are effective methods to regain access.
Call a family member or friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide an extra key. If not, they'll 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 a coat hanger made of wire or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or a child locked in a hot room or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who will either use a slim jim to unlock the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and also activate security systems or even void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
To avoid this happening in the future take into consideration purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be cheap for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. In either case, they'll save you lots of stress in the near future! You can also keep them in a spot that is easy to reach, like your wallet or purse.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. Whether you were in a hurry or distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door has shut and your keys aren't to be found.
To avoid this situation, keep a spare at home, at work or in your bag for exercise. Many people buy a keychain is attached to their purses or wallets in case they lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and won't need to be concerned about contacting roadside assistance or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is recommended that you call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock, and could even create new keys on site. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent being locked out of your vehicle in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have locksmith services delivered to you promptly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services are able to get you in your car quickly, but they might cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options for opening your car without a key like a shoelace, a wire hanger or a curved wedge. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. It is important to remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or are stuck on the side of the highway, you must call 911 immediately. The police will be able to assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to call a towing service. A lot of these companies can unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have an assistance plan for roadside emergencies ensure that the phone number is set into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can easily contact them. You might be offered free assistance. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. You can also get advice on how to enter your vehicle, and they will call someone in case of need.
It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a danger zone. You must always look around the surroundings before calling for help, especially if you are in a remote location or on a busy highway at night. If you aren't sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It could be that you've left a window open, which can sometimes allow access.
You could also try to break into your vehicle with tools like a slim Jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. You should also be aware that most insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be careful when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key on hand. You can keep it in your wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic key holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member so that they can help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to help. lost my car keys and don t have a spare of dealers can give you temporary keys to allow you to return to your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As an owner, you can help make it less likely that you'll get locked out of your vehicle by keeping your spare keys in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside of your vehicle. You could leave a spare with a family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a hurry. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, also known as VIN written on a piece of paper inside the glove box to help you 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. Moody says that some companies are experts in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Certain companies, such as 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.
You could also use a bobby-pin or an inflatable wedge to unlock your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these methods can harm your door and should be used only as a last resort.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only in the event that there is in immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy highway, or in a risky area, then call emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for no cost but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different method of getting back in the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage it will likely cover your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to confirm. If not, the locksmith or roadside assistance will be your responsibility.