A Car Lockout Is More Common Than You Think

Locking your keys inside your car — or having a key break in the lock — is one of the most common roadside emergencies drivers face. Knowing the right steps to take (and the wrong ones to avoid) can get you back behind the wheel faster and without unnecessary damage or expense.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Take a breath. Is the car in a safe location? Are you in a parking lot, on a highway shoulder, or in an unfamiliar neighborhood? Your next steps may vary depending on your surroundings. If you're in an unsafe location, call 911 first — they can assist or dispatch help.

2. Check All Doors and the Trunk

Walk around the vehicle and test every door handle. Passenger doors, rear doors, and sometimes the trunk release button can open the interior. It sounds obvious, but it's often overlooked in a panic.

3. Look for a Spare Key

Do you have a magnetic hide-a-key box attached to the undercarriage? Is there a spare key in your wallet or at home? Can a family member or friend bring one to you? If any of these apply, that's your fastest solution.

4. Check Your Roadside Assistance Coverage

Many drivers have lockout coverage and don't realize it. Check if you have:

  • Auto insurance — many comprehensive policies include roadside assistance.
  • AAA membership — includes lockout service with membership.
  • Credit card benefits — some cards offer complimentary roadside assistance.
  • Car manufacturer apps — many newer vehicles have connected apps that can unlock the car remotely.

5. Call a Professional Automotive Locksmith

If none of the above options are available, an automotive locksmith is your best bet. They carry specialized tools to safely unlock virtually any vehicle without damage. A good locksmith can typically reach you within 30–60 minutes and will be significantly less expensive than a tow truck and dealership visit.

What NOT to Do During a Car Lockout

  • Don't use a slim jim or coat hanger — modern vehicles have anti-theft bars and airbag wiring near the door frame. Forcing a tool inside can trigger airbags, scratch your window seal, or damage wiring.
  • Don't break the window — unless there's a child, pet, or medical emergency inside. Replacing a car window costs far more than a locksmith call.
  • Don't hire an unmarked locksmith — if someone shows up in an unmarked van and demands cash payment with no invoice, that's a red flag. Use a reputable, identifiable company.

Special Situations

Child or Pet Locked Inside

This is an emergency. Call 911 immediately. On a hot day, temperatures inside a parked car can become dangerous within minutes. Police and fire services have tools to open vehicles quickly and are trained for this scenario.

Keys Broken in the Lock or Ignition

A broken key requires extraction tools — a locksmith can remove the broken piece and cut a replacement key. Do not try to fish the key out with tweezers or tape, as this often pushes the fragment deeper.

Smart Key or Push-Button Start Vehicles

If your smart key battery dies, most vehicles have a physical key blade hidden inside the fob. Check your owner's manual for the backup start procedure (usually involving touching the fob to a specific location on the steering column or start button).

After the Lockout: Prevention Tips

  1. Program your locksmith's number into your phone before you ever need it.
  2. Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted person.
  3. If your car has a connected app, make sure it's set up and working.
  4. Consider a magnetic hide-a-key box for a discreet spare (placed in a non-obvious location).

Car lockouts are stressful but solvable. With the right contacts and a cool head, most drivers are back on the road within the hour.