What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Car: Solutions, Costs, and Prevention

Walk to the car in the parking garage, reach for your keys, and… nothing. Keys lost, or maybe you left them inside. A panic situation most of us are familiar with.  

According to AAA, they respond to over 4 million car lockouts every year in the United States alone. That’s roughly one lockout every 8 seconds.   

We believe a car lockout doesn’t have to ruin your plans or spoil your mood. With the right information, you can handle this situation quickly and without paying extra. Whether you need roadside assistance, emergency lockout help, or a professional locksmith in NYC, this guide has everything you are looking for.   

Why Do Car Lockouts Happen?  

Most lockouts happen because of simple mistakes. You’re rushing to grab groceries, you set your keys down for just a second, and the door closes behind you with that awful click.   

The most common reasons people get locked out of their car include:  

• Leaving keys in the ignition or on the seat  
• A dead or malfunctioning key fob battery  
• Worn out locks that stick or fail  
• Broken keys that snap inside the lock.  
• Automatic locks that engage when you close the door  

Modern cars with push-button start are actually worse for this. Since you don’t need to physically use the key to start the car, it’s easy to leave it in your bag, in the cupholder, or worse, in the trunk.  

About 16% of drivers will lock their keys in their car at least once this year. If you’re reading this right now because you’re stranded somewhere, take a breath. This happens to everyone, and there’s always a way out.   

What Should You Do First When Locked Out of Your Car?  

Before you call anyone or try anything, relax for a moment. The first few minutes after realizing you’re locked out matter more. Making a smart move now can save you an hour of waiting or a couple of hundred dollars.   

How Do You Stay Calm During a Car Lockout?  

This may sound like advice your mom would give, but staying calm actually matters here. When you panic, you make bad decisions. You might try to break in yourself and scratch up your door. You might call the first locksmith company you find without checking prices. You might forget that your spouse has a spare key 20 minutes away.   

• Take a breath  
• Check your surroundings  

If you’re in an unsafe area or it’s late at night, move to a well-lit spot near other people. A coffee shop, gas station, or busy storefront works great. Your safety comes first, and you can think more clearly when you’re not looking over your shoulder.   

How Do You Check If Any Door or Window Is Unlocked?  

This might be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this step. Walk around your entire car and try every single door. Don’t just assume they’re all locked because one is. Check the trunk, the hatchback, and any rear windows that might open separately.   

Got a sunroof? If it’s cracked open even a little, you might be able to reach in with something long and hit the unlock button. Some SUVs have rear windows that open independently. These small oversights happen more often than you’d think, and a quick check could save you $100 or more. 

Should You Call Someone with a Spare Key?  

If someone you trust has your spare key, this is often the cheapest and fastest solution. Think about who might have access. Your partner, a parent, your roommate, or maybe a neighbor who feeds your cat when you travel.   

A professional Automotive locksmith in NYC typically arrives in 15-30 minutes and will surely charge some dollars. If your friend with the spare key is 45 minutes away but free, that’s worth considering. But if they’re an hour away and you’re stuck in the rain outside a mall that’s closing? Call the professional automotive locksmith.   

What Should You Do If a Child or Pet Is Locked Inside?

This is where we get serious. If there’s a child or pet trapped in your car, everything changes. This is no longer a frustrating inconvenience. It’s a potential emergency. Car interiors heat up shockingly fast, and every minute counts.   

Follow these steps immediately:  

• Call 911 right away. Tell them a child or pet is locked in a vehicle. They prioritize these calls and can dispatch help fast.   
• Check all doors and windows again. Adrenaline does funny things. Double-check everything.   
• Keep eye on the child or pet. Watch for signs of distress like heavy panting, red skin, or unresponsiveness.   
• Break the window only as a last resort. If help isn’t coming fast enough and the situation looks dangerous, do what you have to do.   

Is It Legal to Break a Window to Save a Child or Pet?  

Most states have Good Samaritan laws that protect you if you break a car window to rescue someone in danger. As of 2024, at least 31 states have laws specifically allowing civilians to break into vehicles to save children or animals in distress.   

That said, there are usually conditions. You typically need to have a reasonable belief that the person or animal is in immediate danger. You should call 911 first if possible. You should use no more force than necessary. And you should stay at the scene until help arrives. Check your state’s specific laws, but don’t let legal worries stop you from saving a life.   

How Quickly Can Heat Become Dangerous Inside a Car?  

Faster than you think. A car parked in the sun acts like a greenhouse, and temperatures inside can spike dangerously within minutes. Here’s what the research shows:   

Even on a pleasant 80°F Day, your car’s interior can reach 114°F in just half an hour. That’s hot enough to cause heatstroke in children and small animals. Cracking the windows doesn’t help much either; it only reduces the temperature by a few degrees.   

Who Should You Call First in an Emergency Lockout?

Always call 911 first when a life is at risk. They can dispatch the police or the fire department, who have the tools to get into vehicles quickly. Many emergency locksmith services also prioritize calls involving trapped children or pets, so mention this when you call. 

Also Read: Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Locksmith

Can You Unlock Your Car Using a Smartphone App?  

Here’s something that might save you right now. If you drive a newer car made in the last 5-7 years, you might be able to unlock it with your phone. Many manufacturers now offer remote unlock features through their apps, and this could be your free ticket back into your car.   

Which Car Brands Offer Remote Unlock Features?  

Most major car brands now have apps that let you lock and unlock your doors remotely. Here are some of the most popular:   

• Tesla – Tesla app   
• Ford – FordPass   
• Chevrolet – myChevrolet   
• BMW – My BMW   
• Toyota – Toyota app   
• Honda – HondaLink   
• Hyundai – Bluelink   
• Nissan – NissanConnect 

You usually need to have set up the app before you got locked out. Some services require a subscription after a trial period. But if you already have the app on your phone, open it right now and see if there’s an unlock button. You might be back in your car in 30 seconds.   

How Do You Set Up Remote Unlock on Your Vehicle?  

If you’re reading this before you’re locked out (smart thinking), here’s how to set yourself up for the future. Download your car manufacturer’s app from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account using your VIN number, which you can find on your registration or inside your driver’s side door jamb. Follow the verification steps, which usually involve confirming your identity as the owner. Once you’re set up, test it out. Lock your doors, step away, and try unlocking them from the app.  

Who Can Help You Get Back into Your Car?  

Alright, so you’ve checked all the doors, you don’t have the app set up, and nobody with a spare key can get to you. Now what? You’ve got a few options, and each one has its pros and cons.   

When Should You Call a Locksmith?  

A locksmith company is usually your best bet for speed and flexibility. They come to you, they work around the clock, and they can handle pretty much any vehicle. Most reputable auto locksmiths can get to you within 15-30 minutes, which is often faster than roadside assistance.   

Call a locksmith in NYC when you need to get in fast and can’t wait, when you’re in a location where roadside assistance won’t cover you, when it’s late at night or a holiday, and other options are limited, or when you’ve lost your keys entirely and need a replacement made on the spot.  

Can Roadside Assistance Unlock Your Car?  

Yes, most roadside assistance programs cover lockouts. AAA, your car insurance, credit card benefits, and manufacturer warranties often include this service. The big question is whether you have a membership or policy that covers it.   

Check your wallet right now. Do you have an AAA card? Many insurance policies include roadside assistance as an add-on. Some credit cards, especially travel rewards cards, offer it as a benefit. If you bought or leased your car recently, you might have complimentary roadside assistance for the first few years.   

The downside? Wait times can be longer, especially during busy periods or bad weather. If you’re stuck in a snowstorm and everyone else is too, you might be waiting a while.   

Will the Police Help with a Car Lockout?  

This depends on where you are and what’s happening. In most places, the NYPD will respond to car lockouts only if there’s an emergency, like a child or pet trapped inside. For a regular lockout, they’ll usually tell you to call a locksmith company or roadside assistance.   

Some smaller towns have police officers who will help open car doors as a courtesy, but this is becoming less common. Budget cuts and liability concerns mean most departments have stopped offering this service. Don’t count on it as your plan A.  

Can Your Car Dealership Unlock Your Vehicle?  

Your dealership can help, but probably not right now. Dealerships typically work by appointment and operate during business hours. They’re great for getting a replacement key or reprogramming a key fob, but they’re not set up for emergency roadside calls.   

If you’ve lost your only key and need a new one made from scratch, the dealership might be your only option for certain high-security vehicles. Just know that dealer prices tend to be significantly higher than independent locksmiths, sometimes two to three times as much.   

How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Locked Car?

The cost of getting back into your car varies quite a bit depending on who you call, when you call, and what kind of car you drive. 

What Do Locksmiths Charge for Car Lockouts?  

Most car lockout services from a licensed locksmith run between $75 and $150 during regular business hours. Expect to pay more on nights, weekends, and holidays. That’s just how it works. The technician has to get out of bed at night to help you, so a surcharge is reasonable.   

Your car type matters too. A basic Honda Civic from 2010 is straightforward. A 2024 BMW with advanced security features takes more skill and specialized tools. Luxury vehicles and newer cars with keyless entry systems typically cost more to unlock.   

 Is Roadside Assistance Free for Lockouts?  

If you have AAA, car insurance with roadside assistance, or manufacturer roadside coverage, lockout service is usually free or heavily discounted. AAA Classic membership costs about $60-$80 per year and covers up to four lockout calls annually. Many insurance roadside assistance add-ons cost $15-$30 per year.   

Even if you don’t have a membership, some programs let you sign up on the spot. You’ll pay for the service plus the membership fee, which might still be cheaper than calling a locksmith directly, especially if you need other services down the road.   

What Are the Methods Used to Unlock a Locked Car?

You might be tempted to try unlocking your car yourself. Maybe you’ve seen videos of people using coat hangers or shoestrings. Before you try any DIY, let’s discuss what can work and what might damage your car. 

How Do Professional  Locksmiths in NYC Unlock Cars Without Damage?  

Professional locksmiths use specialized tools that are designed to open car doors without scratching paint, bending frames, or triggering airbags. The most common tool is a slim jim or long-reach tool combined with an air wedge. The air wedge creates a small gap in the door frame, and the long-reach tool goes in to press the unlock button or pull the door handle.   

For newer vehicles with internal anti-theft systems, locksmiths might use electronic bypass tools or LISHI picks that work with the actual lock mechanism. These tools are expensive and require training to use properly. That’s part of what you’re paying for when you hire a locksmith.   

Can DIY Methods Damage Your Car?  

The short answer is, Yes! Those viral videos of people using tennis balls or coat hangers make it look easy, but they rarely mention the consequences. A bent coat hanger can scratch your paint, damage your weather stripping, or even puncture your door panel’s vapor barrier, leading to water leaks and mold.   

Worse, on modern cars, jamming foreign objects into the door frame can trigger electronic sensors, set off alarms, or even deploy side airbags. Now you’re looking at hundreds or thousands in repairs on top of your lockout problem. Unless you’re absolutely desperate and time is critical, like a child trapped inside, leave the unlocking to someone with the right tools.   

Does Car Insurance Cover Lockout Services?  

This is one of those things people forget they have until they need it. Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance as an add-on, and lockout service is typically covered. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company’s emergency line.   

Companies like GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate all offer roadside assistance programs that cover lockouts. The cost is usually just $15-$30 per year added to your premium. If you don’t have it now, consider adding it after this experience. It also covers flat tires, dead batteries, and towing, so it’s a solid value for the price.   

Filing a claim for lockout reimbursement is usually straightforward. Keep your receipt from the locksmith, submit it through your insurance app or portal, and the money typically hits your account within a few days. Just know that using roadside assistance usually doesn’t affect your insurance rates the way an accident claim would.   

How Do You Avoid Locksmith Scams?  

Unfortunately, the locksmith industry has more than its share of scammers. They prey on people who are stressed and desperate, knowing you’ll pay almost anything to get back into your car. Watch out for these red flags:   

• No company name on their vehicle. Legitimate locksmiths drive marked vans or trucks.   
• Refuses to give an upfront price. If they won’t quote you over the phone, that’s a bad sign.   
• Demands cash only. Real businesses accept credit cards and provide receipts.   
• The price jumps after they arrive. If they quoted $50 on the phone and want $250 in person, say no and call someone else.   

Look for a locksmith with a physical address, good online reviews, and proper licensing. Ask if they’re insured. A trustworthy 24-hour locksmith in New York City will be happy to answer your questions and give you a clear price before they start working.   

Need help right now? If you’re locked out in the NYC area, give Alto Locksmith & Security a call. We respond fast, we’re upfront about pricing, and we’ll get you back in your car without damage.