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 the keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel overwhelmed and insecure.
If you're fortunate, someone in your family or a friend has an additional key that could give you access to the vehicle. If you don't have an extra key, you may need to contact an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a family member or friend
We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes, it happens when we're distracted, such as when we're talking with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't completely focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no fun. Especially when you have no spare key! It is a stressful time, but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will notify them that you're in trouble and they may be able to bring a spare key. If they aren't however, they'll be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. You can use things like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child locked in a hot room, or if someone's physical safety is in danger it is recommended to immediately call 911. They can dispatch an emergency team to your home, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
If spare remote car key is not hazardous, it is best 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 invalidate your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles due to their specific locking mechanisms.
You should consider purchasing a spare car key to avoid this from happening again. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. They will save you much stress in the long run! You can also keep them in a place that is easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's a given that you're likely to lock your keys inside your car at some point. If you were in a rush or simply distracted, it's an embarrassing and frustrating moment when you realize that the door is shut and your keys are nowhere to be found.
To avoid this, keep a spare at your home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people buy a keychain can be attached to their wallet or purse in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have the spare key on hand in a hurry and you won't have to fret about the potential embarrassment of needing roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.
If you don't own a spare, it is best to call a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able open your vehicle without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on site. They'll also be able provide tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can have a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at an affordable price. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your car quickly, but may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.
There are many DIY alternatives to open cars without keys like a shoelace, wire hanger, or a curved wedge. However, these options can be risky and time-consuming and are more likely to damage the lock or damage your window. You should remain calm and only use these tricks as a last option. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. The police will be able assist you, or may call a towing service to assist you.
3. Contact a towing company
Next, you need to contact a towing company. Many of these services are able to open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you are a roadside assistance customer make sure that the number is programmed in your phone or you know it to be able to reach them easily. They may even offer to come and assist you for no cost. You can also contact non-emergency police and inform them about your issue. You can receive tips on how to get in your car, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle especially when you're in a danger zone. Busy roads or unfamiliar places at night can be dangerous and you must be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for assistance. Examine all doors and windows if not sure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window open, which may give you access.
Another option is to try and get into your car with tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. It is important to note that most insurance policies do not cover the cost of these repairs, so you should always be aware before using any type of tool to gain entry into your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to keep a spare key handy. It can be kept in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people keep a spare car key with an individual from the family or a trusted friend to retrieve it if necessary.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can assist. The majority of dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can return to your car. Be prepared for evidence of ownership as well in other personal information.
4. Call AAA
As a driver, you can help make it less likely to get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe location. Keep an extra key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes can be tucked away on the underside your vehicle. You can leave a spare to a close friend or family member who might be able to assist you in a pinch. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, written on a piece paper inside the glove box to help you quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of the car.
It is possible to call roadside assistance if you don't own an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Certain companies, such as AAA will send a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside services will differ based on your membership level and coverage plan.
There are a few other methods to open your car without calling assistance at the roadside, such as using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last option.
If you can't unlock your car, you should always contact emergency services only if it is in immediate danger. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or are in a hazardous area, you should contact emergency services. The police typically unlock a vehicle for free but it's recommended to not do this and instead try another method of getting back in the vehicle. You could be covered under your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.