Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner
How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key
You leave your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. You may feel overwhelmed and scared.
If you're lucky you, a family member or friend has an additional key that can give you access to the vehicle. If not, you'll require an locksmith or towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family member or friend
We may close the car door in error when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens because we're distracted. For instance, if we're talking on the phone with someone else or listening to the radio. It's never fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be incredibly stressful, but the good news is that there are some effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call a friend or family member. This will let them know that you're in trouble and they may bring a spare car key. If not, they will at the very least assist you with other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening, like when there is an elderly person or a child locked inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately call 911. You can dial 911 and they will dispatch an emergency team to your home to break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation isn't dangerous and you're in danger, it's recommended to seek help from friends or family members before attempting to unlock your car. DIY methods may damage the door, activate security systems or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods might not work on newer cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the future! It's recommended to keep them in a secure location that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact of life that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car at some time. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this, keep a spare at home, your workplace, or in your bag for your gym. replacing car keys without spare purchase a keychain that is attached to their purses or wallets in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up needing roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and could even create new keys on the spot. They'll also be able provide suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are a member of AAA it's an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith promptly and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry, but may cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are many DIY options to open a car without the key for example, a shoelace, a wire hanger, or a curved wedge. These techniques are risky, time-consuming, and more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to stay calm and use these tricks only as the last option. If you have children or pets in your vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, it's important to immediately call 911. You can seek help from the police, or they can arrange for a towing company.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact a towing service. A majority of these companies are able to open your car without damaging the door lock. If you have roadside assistance make sure the number is programmed in your phone or you are aware of it to be able to call them quickly. They may even offer to assist you for no cost. Alternately, you can contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about your issue. They can give you tips for getting into your vehicle and send an emergency assistance person if needed.
Being locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you're trapped in a hazardous location. Inconvenient roads or locations at night can be risky so it is important to examine your surroundings prior to asking for assistance. Examine all doors and windows if you are uncertain about how to unlock your vehicle. It could be that you have left a window open, which can sometimes allow access.
Another alternative is to get into your car with tools like a slim jim. This is not recommended since it can damage your car's locks. It is also important to remember that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be cautious when making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep an extra car key in your purse or wallet. You can store it in a wallet or purse, or you can buy an electronic key holder for your car box and place it on the underside of your vehicle. Some people even leave a spare key with a trusted family member to help them in the event of need.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to see whether they can help. The majority of dealers will provide you with an interim key so that you can be back in your vehicle. They will probably need to see proof of ownership and some other personal information and you should be prepared for that.
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Keep your spare in a secure place. This will reduce the chance that you'll get locked out. Place a spare key in your wallet, purse or one of those magnetic boxes that you can hide in the underside of your car. You could also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives near by or an individual from your family who might be able to assist you out in the event of a crisis. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment so you can quickly call the owner of the vehicle should you are locked out.
If you do not have a spare key and you're in need of roadside assistance. Moody states that certain firms are experts at unlocking vehicles and will send technicians to your location within a couple of hours. Others, like AAA, will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on the membership level you have and your the coverage plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. However, these techniques could harm your door and should be used only as an emergency.
If you can't unlock your car it is recommended to call for emergency assistance only if there is an immediate danger. This includes if you have pets or children in the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road, or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. It is best to avoid contacting the police and look for other methods of getting back to your vehicle. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to ensure. If not, you'll have pay for the locksmith service or roadside assistance.