Keys Locked in Car? How to Get Back In (+ Real Cost to Fix)
If your keys are locked in your car, check every door and the trunk first, then try a spare key or your car’s manufacturer app. If that fails, call AAA (covered under standard roadside membership — lockouts made up 10% of AAA calls in 2024) or a locksmith, which runs $60–$150 during business hours and $150–$250+ after hours.
Common Ways Keys End Up Locked Inside
Manual locks are the most common cause — slamming a door with the lock button pressed traps keys inside instantly. Keyless entry failures happen too: a dead key fob battery can leave the car unresponsive even with the key nearby. Distraction is the biggest factor overall — leaving keys in the trunk during a shopping trip, or a child pressing the lock button from inside, accounts for most lockouts.
What to Try First: Free Fixes
Check every door and the trunk before trying anything else — one unlocked door solves the problem instantly with no tools needed. If all doors are locked, these free options come next:
- Check for a spare key: A spare kept with a family member, in a wallet, or in a magnetic holder is the fastest fix.
- Try your car’s mobile app: Many manufacturers (Hyundai, Kia, GM, Ford, and others) offer apps that can remotely unlock the car if you’ve set one up.
- Call a family member or friend: If someone nearby has a spare, this beats paying for service.
- Check roadside coverage: Many auto insurance policies and credit cards include free lockout service — check your policy before calling a locksmith.
DIY Techniques for Manual Locks
These methods only work on older cars with manual lock buttons or pull-up knobs — they will not work on modern cars with anti-theft sensors in the door frame, and attempting them on a car with side airbags risks triggering the airbag sensor.
Using a Coat Hanger
Straighten a wire coat hanger and bend a small hook at the end. Slide it between the window and the rubber seal, aim for the lock button or knob inside, and push or pull gently until it releases. Go slowly to avoid damaging the weatherstripping.
Using a Shoelace
This works only on cars with a pull-up lock knob. Tie a small loop in the middle of a shoelace, slide it through the top door seal, and work the loop around the knob. Pull both ends upward to release the lock.
Smart Technology and Keyless Entry
A manufacturer unlock app is a smartphone tool that connects to a car’s onboard system over cellular or Bluetooth to remotely lock or unlock doors. It only works if the app was set up before the lockout, and it requires the car’s telematics subscription to be active. Keep your phone charged and the app updated, since an expired subscription or dead phone battery defeats the purpose.
Locksmith vs. AAA: Which Should You Call?
Call AAA first if you’re a member — lockout service is included in the standard roadside plan at no extra charge beyond your membership, and 10 percent of all AAA roadside calls in 2024 were vehicle lockouts, so it’s a routine service they handle constantly. If you’re not a member, a locksmith is usually faster to book on demand.
| Option | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Membership | Included (4 events/yr) | Varies by region | Existing members |
| Locksmith (business hours) | $60–$150 | 15–30 min arrival | Non-members, daytime |
| Locksmith (after hours) | $150–$250+ | 15–30 min arrival | Emergencies only |
| Dealer | Varies, often higher | Slower | Cars needing reprogrammed keys |
A locksmith service call fee of $30–$60 is often added on top of the unlock fee itself, so ask for the total price upfront before they arrive.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Keep a spare key with a trusted person or in a magnetic hide-a-key box mounted somewhere on the vehicle that isn’t the obvious spots (avoid the wheel well — it’s the first place a thief checks). Lock the car with the key or fob instead of the interior lock button, and get in the habit of checking your pocket for keys before shutting any door. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to access a car without your key entirely — not just locked out but the key is lost or unavailable — see our guide on how to crank a car without a key for the methods that work on older vehicles and dead key fob situations.
Best Spare Key Holder Pick
Magnetic Key Box Hide-A-Key Holder
A waterproof magnetic case that mounts to any metal part of the vehicle’s underside for emergency access.
- Best for: Drivers who want a backup key without carrying a second physical copy
- Why we picked it: Waterproof housing survives weather exposure long-term
- Main drawback: Must be mounted somewhere non-obvious, not the wheel well
Compare more spare key holder options
 Option 1 Riomhorry Magnetic Key Holder
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 Option 2 3xN52 Magnetic Key Lock Box
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 Option 3 RamPro Hide-A-Key Holder
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to unlock a car?
A locksmith typically charges $60 to $150 during business hours, or $150 to $250 or more for emergency after-hours service. A separate $30–$60 service call fee is often added on top. AAA members pay nothing extra since lockouts are covered under standard roadside plans.
Will police unlock your car for free?
Some police departments will unlock a car for free in an emergency or safety situation, such as a child or pet locked inside, but policy varies widely by city and many departments no longer offer this service at all. Contact your local department directly to confirm.
Does AAA unlock your car for free?
Yes, car lockout service is included in all standard AAA membership plans as one of up to 4 roadside events per year, alongside battery jumps, flat tire changes, and towing. Lockouts accounted for 10 percent of all AAA roadside calls in 2024, making it one of the most common reasons members call.
Can you unlock a car door if the key is inside on the lock?
Yes. A locksmith can use specialized tools like a bump key or lock-picking equipment to open the door even with the key sitting inside on the lock. DIY methods like a coat hanger generally won’t work in this specific case since the key itself blocks the mechanism.
What if I left the car key inside a running car?
Call a locksmith or roadside assistance immediately rather than attempting DIY methods, since a running, locked car is a higher-priority and higher-risk situation. Some insurance policies specifically cover this scenario — check your policy details before the situation happens.
Getting keys locked in a car is common enough that it’s one of AAA’s top roadside call reasons — check every door first, try a spare key or car app, and call a locksmith ($60–$150) or AAA if nothing else works. A magnetic hide-a-key case is the cheapest way to make sure it doesn’t happen again. If you’ve lost the key entirely rather than locked it inside, see our guide on finding a lost key fob inside your car, or check how long it takes to get new car keys made if a full replacement is needed.
