3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to help yourself in this situation. The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future. 1. Call the police Call the police if you cannot find your keys. They can help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using keys without authorization. They can't open the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the tools needed to do it and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. However, they must have a legitimate reason to do this. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window. You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others give them to friends or family members to keep in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra contact it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps. Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key inside. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of these to open the door from a distance by using the same tool that a locksmith could possess. It is a thin jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock. 2. Call towing truck Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under Emergency, and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals. This will help you make an informed decision when the situation arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies will assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle. It is best to have three or more spare keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a secluded spot. A spare key can also save you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer and could take a few days. It's a good idea to make the process as simple and fast as you can, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number can be found on the documents for your vehicle or engraved on a plaque made of metal in the driver's doorpost. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key to ensure that it can work with the new key. 3. Try an Pump Wedge It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional. One of the easiest ways to unlock your vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of the car. You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is even more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger could work if it's thick enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the car. It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require a more destructive tool to enter your vehicle and save your passengers or pets. Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you so you can gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. And, of course, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance. 4. Try a Coathanger You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with manual locks, and it works like an easy slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers. Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you've found it, lift the lever and your door should open. Another option is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released. You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only option to enter the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys. It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. Make sure cost of a replacement car key have the key code number as well as your personal identification on your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.
cost of a replacement car key
