Locking your keys in the car is one of those problems that feels small — until you realize you have no idea how to fix it. Here's what to do in the first 5 minutes, what to avoid, and how to get back on the road without a $500 door panel repair bill.
Child or pet locked inside?
Step 1: Check the obvious things first
Check every door and the trunk
People rarely lock every door. Walk around the car and try each handle, including the rear hatch or trunk. Many SUVs and hatchbacks have a separate rear lock that wasn't engaged.
Check if anyone else has a spare
Spouse, parent, roommate? A 20-minute Uber to grab a spare key is faster and cheaper than any other option. Some manufacturers (Tesla, BMW, many newer cars) also have phone apps that can unlock the car remotely if it's connected to cellular.
Check if you have roadside assistance
Look in your wallet, glove box (if visible through window), or phone:
- Auto insurance: Most policies include lockout coverage as an add-on
- Car manufacturer: OnStar, BMW Assist, Toyota Roadside, etc.
- Credit card: Many premium credit cards include roadside benefits
- AAA membership
If any of these apply, calling them is "free" (you already paid for it).
Should you try to unlock it yourself?
Short answer: probably not, if your car is newer than ~2005
- Trigger the side airbag ($1,500+ to replace)
- Sever the door wiring (windows, locks, mirror controls stop working)
- Tear the weatherstripping (water leaks, wind noise)
- Bend the window regulator
DIY methods that actually work (when appropriate)
If your car is older, you have time to be patient, and the risk of damage is acceptable:
The shoelace method (very old cars only)
Works on cars with traditional pull-up door lock posts. Tie a small slip knot in the middle of a long, sturdy shoelace, work it through the top corner of the door, loop it around the lock post, tighten, and pull up. Requires a top-corner gap in the door seal, which most modern cars don't have.
The inflatable wedge + long-reach tool (the pro method)
An air wedge inflates between the door and frame to create a small gap. A long plastic reach tool goes through that gap and presses the unlock button or grabs the door handle. This is what locksmiths use because done correctly it doesn't damage anything. You can buy a kit for $20–$40 — worth keeping in your house, not your car.
What NOT to use
- Coat hanger. Bends, scratches paint, gets stuck, can hit airbags.
- Slim jim. Designed for old cars with simple linkages — destructive on modern cars with side-impact airbags running through the door.
- Screwdriver to pry the door. Bends the door frame, breaks the weatherstrip. The door may never seal right again.
- Breaking a window with a rock unless it's an emergency. Tempered glass goes everywhere and a replacement is $200–$400.
When to call a professional
Call a roadside assistance service or locksmith if:
- Your car is newer than about 2005
- You don't have an inflatable wedge and long-reach tool
- You're in a public lot, on a roadside, or anywhere unsafe
- It's after dark or in bad weather
- You're already stressed and just want it fixed
What to expect when you call
- You give them your location, car make/model/year, and confirm you're the registered owner
- A tech is dispatched — usually 20–40 minutes
- They verify your ID matches the registration (always have them check — protects you from car thieves using lockout services)
- Door open in 5–15 minutes
- You pay (typically $50 flat rate for standard vehicles, more for high-security or after-hours)
How to never get locked out again
- Hide a spare key on the car. Magnetic key boxes attach to metal under the bumper. Old-school but effective.
- Use a key tracker. AirTag, Tile, or similar — at least you'll know your keys are inside the car.
- Use your phone app. Many newer cars (2018+) have a manufacturer app that unlocks the car remotely. Set it up before you need it.
- Make a habit: always pull the keys out of the ignition before opening the door. Most lockouts happen when people put keys down on the seat or in a cup holder.
- Get a spare made. Hide it at home, give one to a trusted neighbor or family member.
Locked out right now?
Call STUCK at 872-250-4864. Flat-rate $50 lockout service for most vehicles, 30-minute average response time, and our techs verify ID before opening the door so you know you're dealing with a legitimate service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a locksmith damage my car when unlocking it?
A trained professional using proper tools (long-reach tools, air wedges, jiggler keys) almost never damages a modern car. Risks are higher with coat hangers, slim jims used incorrectly, or anyone working on a car newer than ~2005 without the right tools — modern side-impact airbags and wiring run inside doors and can be ruined by amateur work.
How long does a car lockout service take?
Most professional lockouts take 5–15 minutes once the tech arrives. Average total time from your call to your car door opening is 30–45 minutes. Keyless and high-security vehicles can take longer because they require specialized tools.
Will my insurance cover a lockout?
If you have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, AAA, or your car's manufacturer (like OnStar or Toyota Roadside), lockouts are usually covered. Without coverage, expect $50–$150 depending on time of day and vehicle type. Towing companies and locksmiths both offer lockout services.
Can someone unlock my car if the keys are locked inside but the engine is running?
Yes, and this is a more urgent call — running engines waste fuel and can overheat. Tell the dispatcher when you call; most services prioritize running-engine and child-locked-in-car calls.
What if my key fob died and the door won't unlock?
Almost every key fob has a hidden mechanical key inside — slide or press a release tab on the fob to pop it out. The driver's door has a keyhole (sometimes hidden under a plastic cover near the handle). For push-button-start cars, hold the dead fob against the start button to start the engine.