5 Laws That Anyone Working 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 car and realise you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that makes you feel in a state of panic and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate you, someone in your family or a friend will have an extra key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you may require a locksmith or a towing service for assistance.
1. Contact a family or friend member
It is possible to close the car door accidentally when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Sometimes it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio program and our brains don't seem to be able to focus. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car isn't enjoyable experience. Especially when you have no spare key! It can be extremely stressful, but the good news is that there are effective ways to regain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will inform them that you're in trouble and they could even bring an extra car key. If they can't, at least they will be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your car. You can use items like a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Contact 911 immediately if the situation is threatening, such as if an elderly person, child or any other person's safety is at risk. They can dispatch an emergency crew to your location who will either use a small jim to open the door or break the window.
If the situation isn't hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods can cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It is important to remember that these methods might not be compatible with modern automobiles due to their unique locking mechanisms.
To avoid this occurring in the future, consider buying a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you a lot of stress in the near future! It's recommended to store them in a safe place that is accessible for example, in your wallet or purse.
2. Contact a locksmith
It is inevitable to lock your keys in your car at one point. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to discover that keys are missing after the door has closed.
To avoid this, keep a spare at your home, at work, or in your bag for your gym. Many people are also able to purchase a keychain which is attached to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. This way, you'll have a spare key on the go and you won't have to fret about embarrassment if you end up calling for roadside assistance or a break-in to your personal vehicle.
If spare key cost don't have an extra key, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock and will even create new keys on site. They will also offer tips on how to prevent being locked out of your car in the future.
If you are an active member of AAA it's a no-brainer; they can provide you with a locksmith fast and at a cost that is reasonable. Additionally, most comprehensive auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance. These services will be able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.
There are many DIY ways to open a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or wire hook. However, these methods aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to damage the lock or harm your window. Be at peace and use these methods only as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle or if you're stuck on the highway. You can seek assistance from the police or can find a towing company.
3. Call a towing service
The next step is to contact a towing service. A majority of these companies can open your vehicle without damaging the door lock. If you have a roadside assistance plan, make sure that the phone number is in your phone or that you know it so that you can easily contact them. You may be offered free assistance. You can also contact the police non-emergency line and let them know about the issue. They can provide you with tips on how to get in your car and will send an emergency assistance person if needed.
It's not fun to be locked out of your car, especially if you are in a danger zone. You should always check the surroundings before calling for assistance, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a busy road at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it is essential to examine all the windows and doors. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This may allow you to gain access.
Another alternative is to hack into your car with tools such as a slim jim. However, this isn't recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. It is important to note that most insurance policies will not cover the costs of these repairs therefore, you must be aware before using any type of device to gain access to your vehicle.
Keep a spare car key in your wallet or purse. You can either keep it in your purse or wallet or buy a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member to rescue them if needed.
You can also reach out to your local dealer to find out if they are able to assist. The majority of dealers will be able to provide you with an interim key so that you can get back into your car. Be prepared to be asked for proof of ownership as well with other personal details.
4. Call AAA
Keep a spare in a safe location. This makes it less likely you'll be locked out. Stash a spare in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You could also give a spare to someone who lives close by or a family member who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You could also write your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and storing it in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of the vehicle if you lock yourself out.
You can contact roadside assistance if you don't own a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, according to Moody. Others, like AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have and your coverage plan.
You can also employ an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to unlock your vehicle without contacting roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last option.
Call emergency services only in the event of immediate danger, if you are unable to unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy highway, or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for no cost, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance it will likely cover the cost, but you should be sure to check the conditions of your policy to ensure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.