Your options when you are locked out of your car
A car lockout has several resolution paths depending on what resources you have available.\n\nRoadside assistance membership: If you have AAA, insurance-based roadside coverage, or a manufacturer roadside program, lockout service is almost always included. Call the membership number and a technician will be dispatched. This is the fastest and typically the lowest-cost option.\n\nRoadside service on-demand: If you do not have a membership, you can call a local roadside operator or locksmith directly. Most can respond within 20-40 minutes in urban areas. On-demand lockout service typically costs $50-100.\n\nDealer or manufacturer assistance: If your vehicle is under warranty or you have a connected car subscription, your manufacturer may provide lockout assistance through their customer service line. Some manufacturers can remotely unlock newer vehicles equipped with connected car technology.\n\nSpare key: If someone else has a spare key to your vehicle, this is often the simplest solution. The time it takes to have the key brought to you depends on distance and availability but costs nothing beyond the inconvenience.
What the lockout service process looks like
Once you call for lockout service, the process is straightforward and typically takes less time than people expect.\n\nThe dispatcher takes your location, vehicle make and model, and confirms you are the vehicle owner. They dispatch a technician and give you an estimated arrival time.\n\nWhen the technician arrives, they ask to see your ID and vehicle registration or insurance card to confirm ownership. This step protects against unauthorized vehicle access — a legitimate lockout service provider will always verify ownership before opening a vehicle.\n\nThe actual unlock typically takes 2-5 minutes using professional tools. Most modern vehicle door locks can be opened without damage using slim jim tools, air wedge systems, or by reaching the interior lock mechanism. The technician confirms you have access, collects payment if applicable, and the job is done.
What not to do when you are locked out
Several common DIY lockout attempts cause damage that costs far more than professional service.\n\nDo not attempt to force a window or door. Vehicle door and window seals are precisely fitted — forcing them creates water leaks, alignment problems, and cosmetic damage that costs $200-500 to repair properly. The $75 lockout service is always cheaper.\n\nDo not use a wire coat hanger on modern vehicles. This technique that sometimes worked on older cars does not work reliably on modern vehicles with electronic locks and can scratch interior door panels or damage weatherstripping.\n\nDo not break a window unless there is a life safety emergency — a child or pet locked in a hot vehicle, for example. Breaking a window to retrieve keys costs $200-400 to replace and creates a vehicle security gap until the repair is made. See the full guide to locked keys in car situations for specific scenario guidance.
Preventing future lockouts
Most lockouts are preventable with a few simple habits.\n\nA magnetic key box attached to the vehicle frame is a low-tech solution that works. Hide a spare key in a quality magnetic box in an inconspicuous location under the vehicle. If you ever lock your keys inside, the spare is right there.\n\nA spare key at home or with a trusted person nearby is the most reliable prevention. If you are typically within a reasonable distance of home or a trusted key holder, a lockout becomes an inconvenience rather than a crisis.\n\nModern key fobs and connected car apps add a layer of prevention. Many current vehicles can be unlocked via a manufacturer app on your smartphone. Setting up this feature before you need it takes five minutes and can prevent a lockout service call entirely. See what lockout service costs. See what response times to expect for lockout service.