10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key
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 your keys inside. You might be feeling insecure and overwhelmed.
If you're fortunate you, one of your family members or friends may have an additional key that can allow access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you might have to call an auto locksmith or a towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
Sometimes we are in a rush to get somewhere and accidentally shut the car door without thinking. Sometimes, we're distracted. For instance, if we're on the phone with someone or listening to radio. Whatever the reason, getting locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. Particularly when you don't have a spare key! It can be a stressful experience however the good thing is that there are efficient ways to gain access.
The first step is to call an acquaintance or family member. This will alert them that you are in trouble and they might be able to provide a spare key. If not do this, they should be able to assist with other tools that will allow you to open your vehicle. This can include items such as a doorstop, coat hanger made of wire, or even shoelaces.
If the situation is life-threatening like the case of an elderly person or child stuck inside on a hot day or if someone's physical safety is at risk it is recommended to call 911 immediately. You can call 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to either break the window or unlock the door using a slim jim.
If the situation is not dangerous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods may cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or even void your warranty. It's also important to know that some of these methods may not work with newer vehicles because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from repeating itself. These can be inexpensive for the basic metal key, or more expensive for a smart key fob. Whatever you choose, they'll save you lots of stress in the future! You can also keep them in a spot where they are easily accessible, such as your purse or wallet.
2. Call for a locksmith
You're likely to put your keys in your car at some time or another. It can be a bit frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing when the door is shut.
To avoid this scenario it is recommended to keep your spare key in a safe location at home, work or in your gym bag. Many people also purchase a keychain which is attached to their purse or wallet to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have a spare key with you and don't have to worry about calling roadside assistance or breaking into your car.
However, if you don't have a spare key the best thing you can do is to call a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able open your car without damaging the lock and can even make new keys on the spot. They'll also be able to offer advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get a locksmith sent to you swiftly and at a low cost. The most comprehensive auto insurance policies also include roadside assistance. These services are able to help you get into your vehicle quickly, however they may cost more than a professional locksmith.
There are a variety of DIY alternatives to unlock a car without a key. This includes using a shoelace or a wire hook. These options are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. You should remain calm and only use these methods as a last resort. Contact 911 immediately if have pets or children in your vehicle, or if you're stuck on an expressway. The police will be able to assist you, or can contact a towing company for you.
3. Call a towing company
The next step is to call a towing company. A majority of these services will open your car's door without damaging it. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan, make sure that the number is in your phone or that you are aware of it in order to easily contact them. You could be eligible for assistance for free. You can also call non-emergency police to inform them about your issue. You can get tips on how to enter your car and they'll call someone in case of need.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle particularly if you're in a dangerous environment. Unknown roads or places at night can be dangerous, so you should always be aware of your surroundings prior to calling for help. If you are unsure about how to unlock your car, it is important to check all of the doors and windows. You may have left a small window slightly open. This may let you gain access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended as it could damage the locks on your car. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic key holder and attach it to the underside of your car. Some people leave a spare car key with a family member or trusted friend so they can retrieve it if necessary.
You can also contact your local dealer and ask if they can help you out. Most dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. They might require proof of ownership as well as other personal details and you should be prepared for that.
4. Call AAA
As driver, you should take steps to reduce the likelihood that you'll get locked out of your vehicle by keeping an extra key in a safe place. Keep a spare key in your purse, wallet or one of the magnetic boxes that can be tucked away on the underside of your car. You can also leave an extra with a family member or friend who might be able to assist you in a moment of need. You might also consider having your vehicle identification number, or VIN, written on a piece of paper in the glove compartment to be able to quickly call the owner of the car to call you if you are locked out of the car.
You can contact roadside assistance for assistance if you don't have an extra. Certain companies specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send a locksmith immediately. spare key fob of a roadside service will vary depending on the membership level you have and the coverage plan.
There are several other ways to open your car without calling for roadside assistance, for instance using an inflatable wedge or Bobby pin. However, these methods can cause damage to your door and should only be used as the last resort.
Only call emergency services when there is immediate danger if you cannot unlock your vehicle. This includes if you have children or pets inside the vehicle, you're trapped in an active road or your vehicle is in a risky location. The police will typically unlock a car for free, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead find a different method of getting back into the car. If you're a member of an auto club or have roadside assistance insurance, this will probably cover your expenses, but make sure to check the terms of your policy to be sure. If not, you'll have to pay for the locksmith or roadside service.