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

You walk away from your car only to discover that you've locked your keys inside. It's a sinking sensation that can make you feel in a state of panic and helpless.

If you're fortunate, one of your family members or friends may have an additional key that can allow access to your vehicle. If not, you'll need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service to get help.

1. Call a friend or family member

We may shut the car door accidentally when we are in a hurry to get somewhere. Other times it happens when we're distracted, such as when we are chatting with someone on the phone or listening to a radio show and our brain doesn't quite focus. It's not fun to be locked out of your vehicle. Especially when you have no spare keys cut key! It can be a stressful situation however, there are ways to gain access.

Call your family member or a friend. This will alert them that you're in trouble. They may be able to provide an extra key spare. If they can't do this, they should be able to assist you with other tools to open your vehicle. This can include items like a doorstop coat hanger wire, or even shoelaces.

If the situation is life-threatening like when there is an elderly person or a child trapped in the house on a hot day or if a person's physical safety is in danger and you need to immediately dial 911. They can send an emergency crew to your location, who will either use a slim jim to open the door or break the window.

If the situation is not hazardous, it is best to wait until a professional can help you unlock your vehicle. This is because DIY methods could cause damage to the door and security systems, as well as cause the warranty to be void. It's also important to note that some of these methods may not work on newer cars because they are equipped with special locking mechanisms.

To avoid this happening in the future, consider purchasing a spare key to your vehicle. They can be affordable for an ordinary metal key or more expensive for a smart key fob. Either way, they will save you lots of stress in the near future! It's also a good idea to keep them in a safe place that is easy to access like your wallet or purse.

2. Contact an expert locksmith

You're bound to lock your keys inside your car at some time or another. It can be frustrating and embarrassing to realize that your keys are missing when the door is shut.

To avoid this happening ensure that you keep an extra key in a safe location at work, home, or your gym bag. Many people also purchase a key chain which is attached to their wallets or purses in the event that they lose their keys. This way, you will have a spare key on your desk in a snap and don't have to worry about the embarrassment that could result from calling for roadside assistance or stealing your own vehicle.

If you don't own an extra set of keys, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. A professional will be able to open your car without causing damage to the lock and can even create new keys right on the spot. They'll also be able provide advice about how to prevent getting locked out of your car in the future.

If you are an active member of AAA this is a no-brainer; they can send you a locksmith quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. The majority of comprehensive auto insurance policies also offer roadside assistance. These services can help you get back in your vehicle in a hurry however, they may cost more than hiring an expert locksmith.

There are many DIY ways to open your car without a key. They include using a shoelace or wire hook. These techniques are risky, time-consuming and are more likely to damage your window or break the lock. It is important to remain at peace and use these techniques as a last option. Call 911 immediately if you have children or pets in your vehicle or if you are stuck on the highway. The police will be able assist you, or they can call a towing service for you.

3. Call a towing company

The next step is to call a towing company. Many of these services can 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 so that you can reach them easily. You might be offered free assistance. Alternatively, you can also call the non-emergency police line and tell them your issue. You can receive tips on how to get in your vehicle and they'll send someone if needed.

Locked out of your vehicle is never a good idea, particularly when you are stranded in a hazardous location. You should always check the surrounding area before calling for assistance, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place or on a road that is busy at night. Examine all windows and doors if you're unsure what to do to unlock your vehicle. It is possible that you left a tiny window open. This can sometimes let you gain access.

Another alternative is to break into your car using tools such as a slim jim. But, this isn't advised and could cause damage to the locks on your vehicle. Be aware that most insurance policies will not cover these repairs. Therefore, it is important to be cautious before making use of any tool to gain access to your vehicle.

One of the best ways to avoid this from occurring is to keep a spare Key car key in your pocket. You can keep it in your purse or wallet or purchase a magnetic keys holder and then attach it to the underside of your vehicle. Some people keep a spare car key with a family member or trusted friends so that they can retrieve it if necessary.

You can also contact your local dealer to see whether they can help you out. Most dealers can give you temporary keys so that you can return to your vehicle. They may need to see proof of ownership and some other personal details 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 lock yourself out of your vehicle by keeping a spare key in a safe place. Keep an extra key in your wallet, purse or in one of the magnetic boxes that you can hide on the underside your vehicle. You can also give a spare to a friend who lives close by or a family member who might be able to assist you out in a pinch. You might also think about having your vehicle's identification number, or VIN written on a piece paper in the glove compartment so that you can quickly contact the owner of your vehicle to call you if you're locked out of the vehicle.

If you don't have a spare key spare or a spare key, you can contact roadside assistance. Some locksmiths specialize in unlocking vehicles and will send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, says Moody. Some companies, like AAA, will send an immediate locksmith. The cost of roadside assistance will vary depending on your membership level and coverage plan.

You can also use an inflatable or bobby-pin wedge to open your vehicle without calling roadside assistance. These methods can cause damage to the door and should be used only as a last resort.

If you are unable to unlock your car it is recommended to contact emergency services only if it is a immediate risk. If you have children or pets in the vehicle, you are on a busy road, or in a risky zone, you should call emergency services. It is best to avoid contacting the police and look for other ways of getting back to your car key spare. If you're a part of an auto club or have roadside assistance coverage that covers your costs, but check the conditions of your policy to confirm. If not, you will have to pay out of pocket for the locksmith or roadside service.