Who To Call When Locked Out Of Car: The Ultimate, Essential List
When locked out of your car, your best options are to call a professional automotive locksmith for the fastest service, your roadside assistance provider (like AAA) if you have a membership, or in a true emergency where a person or pet is trapped, call 911. Avoid DIY methods to prevent costly damage to your vehicle.
That sinking feeling in your stomach is all too familiar. You close your car door, hear the click, and then you see them—your keys, sitting on the driver’s seat. It happens to everyone, and it’s incredibly frustrating. But don’t worry. Getting locked out is a common problem with simple solutions. You are not stuck, and you will get back into your car safely.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly who to call, what to expect, and how to choose the best option for your situation. We’ll cover everything you need to know to turn this stressful moment into a minor inconvenience. Let’s get you back on the road.
Before You Call: Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself
Before you pick up the phone, take a deep breath and run through these simple checks. Sometimes, the solution is easier than you think. A few seconds of checking can save you time and money.
- Check Every Single Door: This sounds obvious, but in a moment of panic, it’s easy to forget. Manually check every passenger door and the rear hatch or trunk. One of them might just be unlocked. Modern cars sometimes have quirky locking behaviors, and you might get lucky.
- Think About a Spare Key: Do you have a spare key? Is it at home? Is a family member, partner, or trusted roommate nearby who could bring it to you? Calling a loved one is always the cheapest and easiest option if they are available.
- Assess Your Surroundings: Take a moment to check your location. Are you in a well-lit, safe area? Or are you on a busy highway shoulder or in a deserted parking lot at night? Your safety is the most important factor and will influence who you should call. If you feel unsafe, mention it when you call for help.
Your Main Options: Who to Call When You’re Locked Out
Once you’ve confirmed you are truly locked out, it’s time to call for help. You have several great options, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s break them down so you can make the best choice for your situation.
1. A Local Automotive Locksmith
An automotive locksmith is a specialist trained specifically to handle car locks. They are often the fastest and most efficient choice because this is their area of expertise. They have the right tools to get into your car without causing any damage.
Why Choose a Locksmith?
Locksmiths are like surgeons for car locks. They use sophisticated tools designed to work with the delicate mechanisms inside your car door. Unlike DIY methods that can scratch your paint or damage your weather stripping, a professional locksmith can get the job done cleanly.
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Pros:
- Fast Response Time: Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency services and can often arrive within 30-60 minutes.
- Specialized Skills: They are experts in all types of car locks, from old-school metal keys to modern keyless entry fobs.
- Damage-Free Entry: They use tools that are designed to unlock your car without leaving a scratch.
- Can Make New Keys: If you’ve lost your keys entirely, many mobile locksmiths can cut and program a new key or fob on the spot.
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Cons:
- Cost: They can be more expensive than using a roadside assistance plan, with costs often starting around $75 and going up depending on the time of day and your car’s complexity.
- Vetting is Required: You need to be careful to choose a reputable and licensed locksmith to avoid scams or overcharging.
How to Find a Reputable Locksmith:
A quick search online will give you many options, but it’s important to choose wisely. Look for locksmiths with good reviews, a professional website, and a physical address listed. When you call, ask for a quote upfront and confirm there are no hidden fees. The Federal Trade Commission offers great advice on finding trustworthy service providers, which applies well here.
2. Roadside Assistance Service
If you have a roadside assistance plan, this is often the most cost-effective option. These services are included in memberships from companies like AAA, or offered as a benefit through your car insurance provider, credit card company, or even some new car warranties.
Why Choose Roadside Assistance?
These services are designed for exactly this type of situation. You pay a yearly fee for the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is just a phone call away. The dispatch operator will send a contracted service provider to your location.
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Pros:
- Cost-Effective: If you already have a membership, the service call is often included or available for a small fee.
- Trusted Providers: Companies like AAA vet their service providers, so you can be confident you’re getting a professional.
- Bundled Services: Your plan also covers other issues like flat tires, dead batteries, and towing.
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Cons:
- Longer Wait Times: Because they serve a large area and handle many types of calls, you might have to wait longer, sometimes over an hour, for help to arrive.
- Limited Services: While they can unlock your car, they typically cannot create a new key for you on the spot. If you’ve lost your key, you’ll still need a locksmith or dealership.
Here’s a look at some common roadside assistance providers:
| Provider | How to Access | Typical Services Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA (American Automobile Association) | Annual Membership | Lockout, Towing, Battery Jump, Fuel Delivery | One of the most well-known and reliable options. Tiers of membership offer different levels of service. |
| Your Car Insurance Company | Add-on to Your Policy | Varies by provider (e.g., Progressive, Geico) | Check your policy details. It’s often a very affordable add-on. |
| Your Credit Card Company | Cardholder Benefit | Basic lockout and towing | Many premium credit cards offer this as a free perk. Call the number on the back of your card to check. |
| Your Car Manufacturer | Included with New Car Purchase | Often included for the first few years of ownership | Check your owner’s manual for the dedicated roadside assistance number. |
3. Your Car Dealership
Contacting the dealership where you bought your car is another option, especially if you have a newer vehicle with a complex key fob or security system. They have the exact knowledge and equipment for your make and model.
Why Choose a Dealership?
The dealership is the ultimate authority on your specific vehicle. They are the best choice if your lockout situation is complicated by a lost or malfunctioning transponder key or key fob, as they are the only ones who can create a true replacement.
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Pros:
- Brand-Specific Experts: They know your car inside and out.
- Can Replace and Program Keys: They are the best source for getting a new, fully functional key fob.
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Cons:
- Very Expensive: This is often the most costly option for both unlocking and key replacement.
- Limited Hours: Dealership service departments are typically only open during standard business hours.
- May Require a Tow: They usually don’t send someone out. You’ll likely need to have your car towed to them, adding to the cost and time.
4. A Towing Company
Many towing companies offer lockout services as part of their roadside assistance offerings. While their primary job is to tow vehicles, their drivers are often equipped with basic lockout kits.
Why Choose a Towing Company?
Calling a local tow company directly can sometimes be faster than going through a larger roadside assistance network. They are also a great all-in-one solution if you suspect your car needs to be moved to a mechanic or dealership anyway.
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Pros:
- Fast Response: Like locksmiths, local towing companies often have drivers on call 24/7.
- Can Also Tow Your Vehicle: If the problem is more than just a lockout (e.g., lost key), they can take your car where it needs to go.
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Cons:
- Less Specialized: They may not have the advanced tools to handle high-security locks or luxury vehicles, which could increase the risk of damage.
- Variable Skill Level: The driver’s experience with lockouts can vary widely.
5. Local Police or Fire Department (Emergency Only)
This should always be your last resort and is only appropriate in a genuine emergency. Emergency services are not a free lockout service; their purpose is to respond to threats to life and safety.
When is it an Emergency?
- A child or vulnerable person is locked inside the car.
- A pet is locked inside, especially on a hot day.
- The car is running in an enclosed space, like a garage.
- You are in a dangerous or unsafe location.
In these situations, do not hesitate. Call 911 immediately. Tell the operator your location and the nature of the emergency. They will prioritize your call. Be aware that their primary goal is to resolve the emergency, not to protect your vehicle. They may need to break a window to gain entry, which you will be responsible for repairing.
Comparing Your Options: A Quick-Glance Table
Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Here is a simple table to help you decide who to call based on your priorities.
| Option | Average Cost | Typical Speed | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Locksmith | $$ – $$$ | Fast (30-60 mins) | Fast, damage-free entry and on-the-spot key replacement. |
| Roadside Assistance | Free – $ | Moderate (45-90+ mins) | Saving money if you already have a membership. |
| Car Dealership | $$$$ | Slow (Business hours only + tow) | Replacing and programming complex key fobs. |
| Police / Fire Dept. | Free (but potential repair costs) | Fast (for emergencies) | True emergencies only (child, pet, or person trapped). |
What to Expect When the Professional Arrives
Knowing what happens next can help reduce your stress. No matter who you call, the process is generally the same.
- Verification of Ownership: The first thing any legitimate professional will do is ask for proof that you own the vehicle. This is a crucial security step to prevent theft. Be ready to show your driver’s license and a copy of your registration or insurance card (if it’s not locked in the car, you can often access digital copies on your phone).
- Assessing the Lock: The technician will examine your car’s door and lock to determine the best method of entry.
- Using Specialized Tools: They will use professional tools. The most common is a soft, inflatable wedge that creates a small gap in the top of the door frame, allowing them to use a long-reach tool to press the unlock button or pull the handle. This method is safe and won’t damage your car.
- Unlocking the Door: Within a few minutes, your door will be open. It often looks surprisingly simple when done by a pro!
- Payment and Paperwork: Once you are back in your car, you will settle the payment and sign any necessary paperwork. Be sure to get a receipt for the service.
A Note on DIY Methods: Should You Try to Unlock It Yourself?
You may have seen videos of people unlocking cars with a shoelace, a coat hanger, or a tennis ball. While these tricks might have worked on much older cars, I strongly advise against trying them on a modern vehicle.
Here’s why DIY is a bad idea:
- Damage to Paint and Weather Stripping: Using a metal coat hanger can easily scratch your paint or tear the rubber weather stripping around your door, leading to leaks and wind noise.
- Internal Door Damage: Modern car doors are filled with complex electronics, wiring, and side-impact airbags. Poking around inside with a wire can easily damage these sensitive components, leading to very expensive repairs.
- Lock Mechanism Damage: You could accidentally damage the lock mechanism itself, making it impossible to open even with a key.
Paying a professional is a small price compared to the potential cost of repairing the damage from a failed DIY attempt. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Prevent Getting Locked Out in the Future
The best way to deal with a car lockout is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few simple habits and tools you can use.
- Get a Spare Key Made: This is the single most effective tip. Have at least one spare key. Give it to a trusted family member or keep it in a secure place at home.
- Use a Magnetic Key Holder: You can buy a small, strong magnetic box designed to hold a spare key. You can place this in a hidden, secure spot on the metal frame underneath your car.
- Embrace Technology: Consider a Bluetooth key finder like a Tile or Apple AirTag. Attach it to your keychain, and you can use your phone to locate your keys if you misplace them.
- Develop a Routine: Create a mental checklist before you exit your vehicle: phone, wallet, keys. Pat your pockets. Making this a habit can save you a lot of trouble.
- Use Your Car’s App: Many new cars come with a smartphone app that allows you to lock and unlock your doors remotely. If you haven’t already, download and set up your car’s app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to unlock a car?
The cost typically ranges from $75 to $150. Prices can vary based on your location, the time of day (after-hours calls are more expensive), and the complexity of your car’s lock system. Roadside assistance plans can make this service free or very low-cost.
Can a locksmith make a new car key on the spot?
Yes, many automotive locksmiths have mobile vans equipped with key-cutting and programming equipment. They can create a new key, including transponder keys and key fobs, for most car models right at your location.
Will unlocking my car damage it?
When done by a trained professional using the proper tools, unlocking your car will not cause any damage. This is the main reason to call a pro instead of trying to do it yourself.
Is it safe to call any locksmith I find online?
You should be cautious. To find a reputable locksmith, look for one with a professional website, positive online reviews, and a local business address. Always ask for a price quote over the phone and confirm their business name when they arrive.
What if my key fob battery is dead?
Most key fobs have a hidden physical key inside them. Look for a small release button on the fob. Once you have the physical key, you can use it to open the driver’s side door. The keyhole may be hidden under a small plastic cap on the door handle for aesthetic reasons.
What if I lock my keys in the trunk?
First, check if your car has a trunk release button inside the cabin or a back seat that can fold down. If a professional unlocks the main car doors, you can usually access the trunk from there. If not, the locksmith may need to pick the trunk lock separately, which can sometimes be more complex.
Does car insurance cover getting locked out?
It depends on your policy. Basic liability insurance usually does not cover lockouts. However, if you have comprehensive coverage or a specific roadside assistance add-on to your policy, the service is often covered. Check your policy documents or call your insurance agent to be sure.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
Getting locked out of your car is stressful, but it’s a temporary problem with clear solutions. By staying calm and running through your options—a locksmith, roadside assistance, or in a true emergency, 911—you can get back behind the wheel safely and efficiently.
Remember to check the simple things first, like other doors and a spare key. And most importantly, leave the unlocking to the professionals to avoid causing expensive damage. With this guide, you are now prepared to handle a lockout like a pro. Stay safe out there!
