Your when ready options when locked out of your car
If you are locked out of your car, you have four practical routes: call a locksmith, contact roadside information, call the police non-emergency line, or attempt to open the door yourself if you own the vehicle and have the right tools. Which one makes sense depends on where you are, whether you have roadside coverage, how much time you have, and whether the car is yours or you are trying to help someone else.
The fastest option is usually roadside information if you already pay for it through your auto insurance, credit card, or a membership like AAA. Most respond within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas, longer in rural locations. A locksmith is the next fastest in most places and typically costs between $50 and $200 depending on your location and the time of day. Police non-emergency lines can direct you to local locksmiths but will not unlock the car themselves unless there is a child or pet trapped inside.
Key Takeaways
- Roadside information through your insurance, credit card, or AAA membership is usually the fastest and cheapest option if you already have coverage.
- A licensed locksmith typically costs $50 to $200 and can reach you within an hour in most urban areas.
- Call the police non-emergency line only if a child or pet is locked in the car; they will not unlock it for an adult.
- If you attempt to open the door yourself, you risk damaging the weatherstripping, door frame, or lock mechanism, which can cost more to repair than hiring a locksmith.
Roadside information: the fastest route if you have coverage
If you pay for roadside information through your auto insurance policy, a credit card rewards program, or a membership like AAA, call that number first. Your insurance card or membership card will have the phone number on the back. Have your membership number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current location ready when you call.
Response times vary widely. In cities, most services arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas or during peak times (late night, holidays, bad weather), wait times can stretch to two or three hours. Some services offer a may provide to arrive within a certain window or refund part of your membership fee; check your policy documents to know what yours promises.
The service is usually free or included in your membership if you are a member. If you do not have coverage and call a roadside service as a one-time customer, expect to pay $50 to $150 for the unlock alone, plus a dispatch fee.
Hiring a locksmith: cost, timing, and what to verify
A licensed locksmith can unlock most car doors in 15 to 30 minutes. Call a few locksmiths in your area and ask for a quote before they arrive. Prices range from $50 to $200 depending on the time of day (nights and weekends cost more), your location, and the car's lock type. Some locksmiths charge a flat rate; others charge a service call fee plus an hourly rate.
Before you hire someone, ask whether they are licensed and insured. In most states, locksmiths must hold a state license or registration. You can verify this through your state's licensing board or by asking for their license number and checking it yourself. An insured locksmith protects you if they damage your car during the unlock.
Avoid locksmiths who quote a price significantly lower than others in your area or who pressure you to pay cash upfront. Legitimate locksmiths will give you a quote, show you their license, and accept card payment. If you are stranded and cannot verify credentials on the spot, ask the dispatcher to confirm the locksmith's license number before they arrive.
When to call police and what they can actually do
Call the police non-emergency line if a child or pet is locked in the car. Provide your location, the child's or pet's condition, and whether the windows are cracked. Police will prioritize this call and may arrive faster than a locksmith. In some cases, they will unlock the door themselves; in others, they will call a locksmith on your behalf and wait with you.
Do not call 911 unless the child or pet is showing signs of distress or the car is in a dangerous location. Use the non-emergency number for your city or county instead. You can find it by searching "[your city] police non-emergency" online or by calling 411.
Police will not unlock a car for an adult who is locked out, even if it is your own vehicle. They may direct you to a locksmith or roadside information service, but they cannot perform the unlock themselves in most jurisdictions.
Attempting to unlock the door yourself: risks and tools
If you own the car and want to attempt the unlock yourself, understand the risks first. Using a screwdriver, flathead tool, or wire coat hanger can damage the door's weatherstripping, the lock cylinder, or the interior door panel. Repairs to these parts typically cost $200 to $500, which is more than hiring a locksmith. Modern cars with electronic locks are especially difficult to open without the right tools and knowledge.
If you decide to proceed, the most common method is using a slim jim or a wire tool to manipulate the lock rod inside the door. Slide the tool between the window and weatherstripping on the driver's side, then feel for the lock rod and pull it upward. This works on older cars with manual locks but rarely on newer vehicles with electronic systems.
A safer alternative is to call a locksmith rather than risk damage. The cost of a locksmith is usually less than the cost of repairing what you might break.
Preventing lockouts: spare keys and smart options
The best defense against a lockout is having a spare key in a find location outside the car. Give a spare to a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby, or keep one in a lockbox at home. Do not hide a spare key under the car, in the wheel well, or in the bumper — thieves know these locations.
If you have a newer car, check whether your manufacturer offers a mobile app that can unlock the door remotely. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and some General Motors vehicles have this feature. You will need to set it up in advance through the manufacturer's app, and it typically requires an active subscription.
Consider joining AAA or another roadside information program if you do not have coverage through your insurance. The membership fee is usually $50 to $150 per year and covers lockouts, towing, fuel delivery, and other roadside emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a child or pet survive locked in a car?
A child or pet can overheat and become seriously ill within 15 to 30 minutes on a warm day, even with windows cracked. Call 911 when ready if a child or pet is locked in a car. Police will prioritize this call and may break a window to get them out safely.
Will my insurance cover the cost of a locksmith?
Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover lockouts. However, roadside information coverage (often called roadside service or roadside protection) does cover it. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to see whether you have this coverage. If not, you can usually add it for $5 to $15 per year.
Can a locksmith unlock a car that is not theirs?
A licensed locksmith will ask for proof that you own the car or have permission to unlock it. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration. If you cannot provide these, the locksmith may refuse the job to avoid assisting in a theft.
What is the difference between a slim jim and a wedge tool?
A slim jim is a flat metal tool that slides between the window and door to manipulate the lock rod. A wedge tool is a rubber or plastic wedge that you insert into the door gap to create space for other tools. Wedges are less likely to damage the weatherstripping but are harder to use on modern cars.
How much does roadside information cost if I do not have a membership?
One-time roadside information for a lockout typically costs $50 to $150, plus a dispatch fee of $15 to $50. This is more expensive than hiring a locksmith directly. If you are locked out frequently, joining AAA or adding roadside coverage to your insurance is more cost-effective.