Locked Out of Your Car? Here's Exactly What to Do (and What Not to Do)

Getting locked out of your car is one of those situations nobody plans for — but almost everyone experiences at least once. It can happen anywhere: a parking lot, a gas station, outside a grocery store, or worst of all, late at night in an unfamiliar area. The moment you realize your keys are inside and the doors are locked, panic can set in quickly.

But here's the truth: a car lockout, while stressful, is almost always resolved quickly with the right approach. The key — no pun intended — is knowing exactly what to do, avoiding actions that could damage your vehicle, and understanding when to call a professional automotive locksmith. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Step 1 — Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Before doing anything else, take a breath and quickly assess your situation. A few seconds of clear thinking can save you time, money, and potential damage to your vehicle.

Check the following immediately:

• Are all four doors actually locked? Try each door handle — it sounds obvious, but many lockout calls turn out to be a single unlocked door that wasn't checked.
• Is there a spare key nearby? If a family member, friend, or neighbor has a spare key to your vehicle, calling them may be the fastest and cheapest solution.
• Is your vehicle enrolled in a roadside assistance program? Services like AAA, your car insurance provider, or a manufacturer program (like OnStar for GM vehicles or BMW Assist) may cover lockout service at no out-of-pocket cost.
• Are you in a safe location? If you're locked out in an unsafe area — a poorly lit street, a high-traffic road shoulder, or a neighborhood that feels unsafe — your personal safety takes priority. Move to a safer area and call for help immediately.

Step 2 — Check Your Roadside Assistance Coverage

Many drivers don't realize they already have lockout coverage through existing memberships or policies. Before paying out of pocket, check:

Auto insurance: Many comprehensive auto insurance policies include roadside assistance as an add-on. Check your insurance app or call your insurer's roadside number — this is often listed on your insurance card.

AAA membership: AAA members receive lockout service as part of their membership benefits. If you're a member, this is typically free up to a certain number of calls per year.

Credit card benefits: Many premium credit cards (Visa Signature, certain Mastercard and American Express cards) include roadside assistance benefits. Check your card's benefits portal or call the number on the back of the card.

New vehicle warranty programs: Many vehicles under manufacturer warranty include complimentary roadside assistance. Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and most other major brands offer this for new vehicles within a certain time period.

If none of these apply to you, the next step is calling a professional automotive locksmith directly — which is almost always faster and more affordable than many drivers expect.

Step 3 — Call a Professional Automotive Locksmith

A professional automotive locksmith is specifically trained and equipped to open locked vehicles without damage. This is their specialty — not a general handyman skill. Licensed auto locksmiths carry specialized tools for modern vehicle door mechanisms, and most can open any standard car door in 5 to 15 minutes without causing any damage to the lock, door frame, or weather stripping.

What to expect when you call a locksmith:

• They will ask for your location, vehicle make, model, and year
• They will give you an estimated arrival time — typically 20 to 45 minutes for mobile locksmiths
• They may ask you to verify ownership (driver's license matching vehicle registration)
• Most mobile locksmiths quote the service price over the phone before arriving

Standard car lockout service typically costs $50 to $100 for basic vehicles, and $75 to $150 for newer vehicles with more complex locking systems. Some services charge an additional fee for after-hours or holiday calls.

What NOT to Do When Locked Out of Your Car

This section may be the most important part of this guide. Well-meaning but incorrect responses to a car lockout can cause hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars in damage to your vehicle.

Do NOT use a coat hanger or slim jim

The classic "slim jim" technique you've seen in movies involves sliding a thin metal strip between the door and frame to manipulate the lock mechanism. This may have worked on vehicles built in the 1970s and 1980s, but modern cars have completely different locking systems that cannot be opened this way. Attempting it on a modern vehicle will almost certainly damage the weatherstripping around the door, scratch the door frame, and potentially trigger airbag sensors or damage interior wiring — resulting in repair costs that far exceed the cost of a locksmith call.

Do NOT try to break a window

Breaking a car window should only be considered in a genuine emergency — specifically, if a child or pet is trapped inside in dangerous heat. Even then, break the smallest window farthest from the trapped person. For a standard lockout with no one inside, breaking a window is never the right answer. A basic car window replacement costs $150 to $400, and some vehicles with heated or acoustic glass can cost $600 or more. A locksmith is always cheaper.

Do NOT call an unlicensed "locksmith" from a suspicious online ad

Locksmith scams are unfortunately common across the United States. Fraudulent locksmiths advertise extremely low rates ($15 to $35) online, then arrive and demand $200 to $400 or more once the job is done — claiming complications or additional fees. They may also drill your lock unnecessarily, causing expensive damage, and then charge for parts and labor. Always call a verified, licensed locksmith. Check Google reviews, confirm their business address is local (not just a call center), and ask for a firm price quote before they begin work.

Do NOT leave your vehicle unattended in an unsafe location

If you're locked out in a location where you feel unsafe, don't walk away from your vehicle to look for help. Stay near your car, call for assistance from where you are, and wait in a nearby business or well-lit area if available.

Special Situations: Keys Locked in the Trunk

A less common but particularly frustrating lockout scenario is locking your keys inside the trunk. In most modern vehicles, this can be resolved through the fold-down rear seat access panel — many sedans and coupes have a small access hatch in the rear seat that allows access to the trunk from inside the cabin. However, you'll still need to gain entry to the vehicle first.

Some vehicles also have an emergency trunk release handle inside the trunk itself — a glow-in-the-dark pull tab near the latch mechanism. This is designed specifically for safety (to prevent people from being accidentally trapped), so if your keys are in the trunk and you can somehow access the interior, check for this release.

For most trunk lockouts, a professional locksmith is the fastest and most reliable solution.

How to Prevent Future Car Lockouts

After experiencing the stress of a lockout, most people immediately think about how to prevent it from happening again. Here are the most effective strategies:

• Keep a spare key: Give a spare key to a trusted family member or friend who can bring it to you if needed. This is still the simplest solution.
• Use a magnetic key box: Small magnetic key boxes can be attached to a hidden location on your vehicle's frame. Make sure it's in a truly hidden spot, as these are known to thieves if placed obviously.
• Smart key fob habits: Always check for your keys before closing the car door. Many modern vehicles will alert you if the fob is inside when you try to lock from the outside — make use of this feature.
• Keyless entry app: Many newer vehicles include a smartphone app (like Ford Pass, MyChevrolet, or Toyota app) that can remotely unlock your vehicle. Set this up before you need it.
• Join a roadside assistance program: AAA and many insurance add-ons cost $50 to $100 per year — well worth it if you're someone who travels frequently or is prone to lockouts.

How Much Does Car Lockout Service Cost?

Costs vary by location, time of day, and vehicle type:

• Standard lockout (business hours): $50 – $100
• After-hours or weekend lockout: $75 – $150
• Luxury or high-security vehicles: $100 – $200
• Trunk lockout: $50 – $125

These costs are almost always significantly less than any DIY damage repair or window replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the police help me get into my locked car?

In some jurisdictions, police officers carry slim jim tools and may assist with lockouts — but this service is becoming less common as departments redirect resources. Additionally, police tools are not appropriate for modern vehicles and can cause damage. For most standard lockouts, an automotive locksmith is the better call.

How long does a car lockout service take?

A professional locksmith can typically open a locked car door in 5 to 15 minutes once they arrive. Most mobile locksmiths in urban and suburban areas arrive within 20 to 45 minutes of your call.

What if my key fob battery dies and I can't unlock my car?

Most key fobs contain a physical emergency key blade hidden inside the fob. Look for a small release button or switch on the fob to extract it. This physical key typically opens the driver's door lock cylinder even when the fob battery is completely dead. Check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle's procedure.

Will a locksmith damage my car to open it?

A professional, licensed automotive locksmith uses non-destructive entry tools specifically designed for the make and model of your vehicle. Damage during a professional lockout service is extremely rare. The risk of damage comes from DIY attempts or unlicensed operators using incorrect tools.

🔑 Pro Tip:  Save a local automotive locksmith's phone number in your contacts right now — before you ever need one. Finding a trustworthy locksmith while already locked out and stressed is much harder than doing it in advance.

When to Call an Automotive Locksmith

Call a professional automotive locksmith immediately if:

• You are locked out of your vehicle with no spare key available
• Your key broke off inside the door lock or ignition
• Your key fob has stopped working and the physical key doesn't work either
• You need a replacement key cut and programmed on-site
• Your trunk is locked with the keys inside
• You need a smart key or transponder key programmed for your vehicle

In cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, and New York, mobile automotive locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency service and can reach most locations within 30 to 45 minutes.

Locked out of your car right now? Contact a licensed automotive locksmith for fast, damage-free entry and same-day mobile service — available 24/7.