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. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel panicked and insecure.
If you're lucky, a friend or family member may have a spare key to give you access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you may need to call an auto locksmith or towing service.
1. Call a friend or family member
We can close the car door in error when we are in a rush to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we are distracted, for example, when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brains don't completely focus. Whatever the reason, being locked out of your car is no enjoyable experience. It's even more frustrating when you don't have a spare key. It is a stressful time but there are ways to gain access.
Contact a family member or friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble and they may be able to provide a spare key. If not, they will at the very least help you out with some other tools that could be used to unlock the car. You can make use of items such as a wire coat hanger or shoelaces.
Call 911 immediately if the situation is dangerous for instance, if an elderly person, a child, or anyone's safety is at risk. They can send an emergency team to your location who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.
Unless the situation is dangerous It is best to wait for help from family or friends before trying to unlock your vehicle on your own. This is due to the fact that DIY methods can cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's important to note that these methods may not work with the latest cars due to their special locking mechanisms.
Consider purchasing a spare car key to stop this from happening again. They can be inexpensive for a basic metal key or costly for a high-end fob. They can help you save much stress in the long term! You can also keep them in a location where they are easy to reach, like your purse or wallet.
2. Contact a locksmith
It is inevitable to put your keys in your car at one time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to find out that your keys are missing after closing the door.
To avoid this scenario, keep a spare at home, at work or in your bag for your gym. Many people also purchase a key chain that is attached to their wallets or purses to ensure they never lose their keys. You will always have an extra key in your bag and don't have to be concerned about calling roadside assistance, or attempting to break into your vehicle.
If you don't have an extra key, the best thing to do is call locksmith assistance. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your car without causing damage to the lock. They can even make new keys on-site. They can also give you tips on how to avoid being locked out of your car in the future.
If you're an active member of AAA you can get locksmiths delivered to you quickly and at an affordable price. In addition, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide roadside assistance. These services can get you back in your vehicle in a hurry but they can cost more than hiring a professional locksmith.
There are several DIY options to open your car without a key like a shoelace, wire hanger or a curved wedge. These methods are risky, time-consuming and more likely to harm your window or break the lock. Be calm and only use these techniques as a last resort. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, or you are on the side of a highway, you should immediately dial 911. You can seek help from the police, or they can organize a towing service.
3. Contact a towing company
The next step is to contact the towing company. A majority of these services will unlock your car's doors without harming it. If you have an emergency roadside assistance plan ensure that the number is set into your phone or that you know it in order to quickly contact them. You might be offered assistance for free. You can also call the non-emergency police line and let them know about the issue. You can also get advice on how to get in your vehicle, and they will send someone if needed.
It's not a good feeling to be locked out of your car particularly if you're in a hazardous area. You should always check the surroundings before calling for assistance particularly in a remote location or on a busy road at night. Examine all doors and windows if you are not sure how to unlock your car. It could be that you've left a window slightly open, which can sometimes give access.
You can also try to break into your vehicle using tools such as a slim Jim. However, this is not recommended and can damage the locks on your car. Be aware that the majority of insurance policies will not cover repairs to these locks. Therefore, you should be careful when using any tool to gain access to your vehicle.
One of the best ways to stop this from occurring is to keep a spare key in your pocket. You can store it in a wallet or purse or purchase a magnetic car key holder box and place it on the bottom of your car. Some people even leave spare keys with an amiable family member so that they can rescue them if needed.
cheap spare car keys can also reach out to your local dealer to inquire whether they can help. The majority of dealers will be able to give you an interim key so that you can be back in your car. Be prepared for proof of ownership aswell as other personal information.

4. Call AAA
As driver, you should help reduce the chance that you'll get locked out of your car by keeping your spare keys in a safe place. Keep the spare key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes you can hide on the underside of your vehicle. You could also give a spare to an acquaintance who lives nearby or someone from your family who may be able to assist you out in a pinch. You may also want to think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece of paper in the glove box to be able to quickly call the owner of the car on the phone when you're locked out of the vehicle.
You can call roadside help for assistance if you don't have a spare. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking cars and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or less, according to Moody. Others, such as AAA will dispatch a locksmith immediately. The cost of a roadside assistance will depend on the level of membership you have as well as your insurance plan.
You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without having to call roadside assistance. However, these tactics can harm your door and should be used only as the last resort.
Always call emergency services when there is immediate threat if you can't unlock your vehicle. This is especially true if there are pets or children in the vehicle, you are stuck in a traffic jam or your vehicle is in a hazardous area. The police will typically unlock a vehicle for free, but it's best to avoid doing so and instead, try a different way to get back into the car. You could be covered by your auto club membership or roadside assistance policy. Check your policy terms to make sure. If not the roadside assistance or locksmith will be your responsibility.