How The 10 Worst Locked Out Of Car No Spare Key Fails Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

How to Get Back in Your Car If You Have No Spare Key

You get out of your car and realize that you've locked the keys inside. You may feel insecure and overwhelmed.

If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key that can allow you access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service for assistance.

1. Call a friend or family member

Sometimes we rush to get somewhere, and we accidentally shut the car's door without thinking. Other times it happens when we are distracted, like when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't seem to be able to 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 incredibly stressful however the good thing is that there are some efficient ways to gain access.

The first step is to contact an acquaintance or family member. This will notify them that you are in trouble. They may be able bring a spare key. If not, they will at a minimum be able to help you out with some other tools that could be used to open the car. You can use things like an iron coat hanger or shoelaces.

If the situation is life-threatening, such as when there is an elderly person or a child trapped inside on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is at risk and you need to immediately dial 911. You can call 911 and they will dispatch a crew to your location to break the window or open the door using a thin jim.

If the situation isn't risky, it is recommended to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. DIY methods could cause damage to the door and activate security systems, or void your warranty. It is also important to remember that some of these methods may not work with the latest models because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.

To prevent this from happening in the future, consider purchasing a spare key for your vehicle. These can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or more expensive for a sophisticated key fob. They can save you a great deal of stress in the long term! It's recommended to keep them in a secure location that is accessible for example, in your wallet or purse.

2. Call for a locksmith

You're likely to lock your keys in your car at some point. 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 ensure you have a spare key at home, at work, or in your bag for exercise. Many people also purchase a key chain that they can attach to their purse or wallet in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key at your desk in a snap and won't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from needing roadside assistance or breaking into your own vehicle.

If you don't have an extra key the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith for help. A professional locksmith will be able unlock your vehicle without causing damage to the lock. They could even create new keys on-site. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.

If you are an active member of AAA this is an obvious option; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a reasonable cost. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services are able to get you into your car quickly, but they might cost more than an experienced locksmith.

There are many DIY options to open a car without the key, such as a shoelace, a wire hanger or a wedge that is curved. However, these techniques aren't always safe and efficient and are more likely to break the lock or harm your window. Be at peace and use these tricks only as a last resort. Call 911 immediately if you have pets or children in your car or you're stuck on an expressway. You can seek assistance from the police or can arrange for a towing company.

3. Contact a towing company

The next step is calling the towing company. 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 number is set into your phone or that you are aware of it so that you can easily reach them. They might even offer to come and assist you for no cost. Alternatively, you can also contact the non-emergency police line and tell them your problem. They can give you tips on how to get in your car and will send someone to assist if required.

It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are in a danger zone. You should always check the surroundings before calling for help, especially if you are in a foreign location or on a road that is busy at night. If you're not sure how to unlock your vehicle, it's crucial to look at all the doors and windows. It may be that you've left a window slightly open, which may give you access.

Another option is to try and break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover the costs for these repairs. Therefore, you should be cautious when using any tool that allows access to your vehicle.

One of the best ways to avoid this from happening is to keep a spare key on hand. It can be kept in a wallet or purse or buy a magnetic car key holder box and put it on the underside of your car. Some people even leave a spare key with an amiable family member to save them if they need to.

You can also call your local dealer and ask whether they can help you out. The majority of dealers can provide you with temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership along with other personal information and you should be prepared for that.

4. Call AAA

As an owner, you can take steps to make it less likely that you will be locked out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe location. Keep a spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can put on the underside your vehicle. You can also leave a spare in the hands of an acquaintance who lives close by or someone from your family who may be able to assist you in a pinch. You could also think about writing your vehicle identification number (VIN) on a piece of paper and keeping it in the glove compartment to quickly call the owner of the vehicle in case you get locked out.

You can call roadside help if you don't own an extra. Some companies specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send an expert to your location within an hour or less, according to Moody. Some companies, like AAA will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside services will differ based on the membership level you have and your coverage plan.

There are alternatives to unlock your car without requesting roadside assistance, such as using an inflatable wedge or a bobby pin. These techniques can damage the door and should only be used as a last option.

Only call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. If you have pets or children in the vehicle, are stuck on a busy road or in a risky area, you should contact emergency services. The police are usually able to unlock a vehicle for free, but it's recommended not to do so and instead try another method of getting back into the vehicle. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check  link home  to make sure. If not, the roadside assistance or locksmith is your responsibility.