The fastest way to get back in depends on what you have with you

If you are locked out of your car, your options break into three categories: calling a locksmith, contacting roadside information, or attempting to open it yourself if you have the right tools or access to a spare key. A locksmith is the most reliable choice and typically costs between $50 and $200 depending on your location and the time of day. Roadside information through your auto insurance, a membership program like AAA, or your car manufacturer can often arrive faster and may be free or discounted. Attempting to unlock the car yourself works only in specific situations and carries a real risk of damaging your vehicle.

The method that makes sense for you depends on three things: whether you have roadside information coverage, how much time you have, and whether you can reach a spare key quickly. A person with AAA membership and an hour to wait should call AAA first. Someone without coverage who needs to leave when ready should call a locksmith. Someone whose spouse is ten minutes away with a spare key should wait for that key rather than pay for a service.

Key Takeaways

  • A licensed locksmith is available 24/7 in most areas and typically charges $50 to $200, with higher rates for nights and weekends.
  • Roadside information through AAA, your car insurance, or your vehicle manufacturer may be free or cost $50 to $100 and often arrives within an hour.
  • Calling your car manufacturer's roadside service (available through your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website) is often free for the first few years of ownership.
  • Attempting to unlock your car yourself risks damage to the door frame, weather stripping, or lock mechanism, and may trigger your alarm.
  • If you have a spare key nearby, waiting for someone to bring it is usually cheaper and safer than any other option.

When to call a locksmith

A licensed locksmith is the most straightforward option when you need to get in quickly and have no other resources. Locksmiths carry specialized tools designed to open car doors without damage, and they work on all vehicle types and lock systems. Call a locksmith directly rather than using an online aggregator service, because aggregators often mark up the price and may dispatch someone who is not actually licensed.

To find a locksmith, search "[your city] licensed locksmith" or call your local police non-emergency line and ask for a referral. Many police departments maintain lists of vetted locksmiths. Before you book, confirm that the locksmith is licensed in your state (requirements vary), ask for a quote over the phone, and verify they accept your payment method. Prices are higher at night, on weekends, and in rural areas where travel time is longer.

Locksmiths typically arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas. Bring your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership (registration or insurance card) so the locksmith can confirm you own the car. Some locksmiths will not open a vehicle without proof of ownership, which protects against theft.

Using roadside information programs

Roadside information is often free or low-cost and can be faster than calling a locksmith if you already have coverage. Three main sources offer this service: your auto insurance company, a membership program like AAA, or your vehicle manufacturer.

Check your auto insurance policy documents or log into your insurer's website to see whether roadside information is included. Many policies include it automatically; others offer it as an add-on for $5 to $15 per year. If you have it, call the number on the back of your insurance card. The dispatcher will ask for your location and vehicle information and will dispatch a service provider to you.

AAA membership includes roadside information for lockouts, towing, and other emergencies. A basic AAA membership costs around $50 to $70 per year and covers up to four service calls. If you are not a member but need service now, you can purchase a one-time service call, though this is more expensive than membership.

Your vehicle manufacturer may offer free roadside information for a set period after purchase. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website (Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, and others all have roadside programs). Manufacturer programs typically cover the first three to five years of ownership and include lockout service. Call the number in your manual or on the manufacturer's website to request service.

What to do if you attempt to unlock the car yourself

Unlocking your car yourself is possible only if you have specific tools or access to the lock mechanism. The most common DIY methods are using a spare key you can reach, using a slim jim tool (a thin metal strip designed to manipulate the lock), or calling someone who has a spare key and can reach you quickly.

If you have a spare key at home or with someone nearby, this is the cheapest option. Ask the person to bring it to you, or if you have a trusted friend or family member with a house key, ask them to retrieve your spare. This takes time but costs nothing and carries no risk of damage.

Slim jim tools are sold online and at some auto parts stores for $10 to $30. Using one requires inserting the tool between the window and door frame to manipulate the lock rod inside the door. This method works on older vehicles with manual locks but is difficult on modern cars with electronic locks. Attempting it risks damaging the weather stripping, door frame, or lock mechanism itself. If you do not have experience with a slim jim, the risk of damage usually outweighs the savings.

Never attempt to break a window or force a door open. The cost of replacing a window ($200 to $500) or repairing a damaged door frame ($300 to $800) far exceeds the cost of a locksmith or roadside service.

How much it costs and what affects the price

Locksmith costs range from $50 to $200 for a standard lockout, depending on location, time of day, and vehicle type. Urban areas and major cities tend to be on the lower end; rural areas and small towns are on the higher end because of travel distance. Nights, weekends, and holidays carry a surcharge, often 50% to 100% above the daytime rate.

Newer vehicles with electronic locks or keyless entry systems may cost more than older vehicles with mechanical locks because the tools and knowledge required are more specialized. Luxury vehicles sometimes carry higher rates as well.

Roadside information through insurance or AAA typically costs $0 to $100 per service call if you have coverage, or $50 to $150 if you purchase a one-time service. Manufacturer roadside programs are free during the coverage period.

If you are locked out and have no coverage, calling a locksmith is usually cheaper than towing your vehicle to a dealership, which can cost $100 to $300 just for the tow.

Preventing lockouts in the future

The most effective prevention is to establish a routine before you close the car door. Check that your keys are in your hand or pocket every time you exit the vehicle. Some people keep their keys in the same pocket or bag every time they drive, which makes it harder to forget them.

A spare key hidden in a find magnetic box under the vehicle (attached to the frame, not the bumper) gives you a backup if you lock yourself out. Keep another spare at home or with a trusted friend or family member. Modern vehicles with keyless entry systems can be programmed to alert you if the key is not in the vehicle when you close the door; check your owner's manual to see if your car has this feature.

If you have a smartphone, some newer vehicles allow you to unlock the car remotely through the manufacturer's mobile app. Check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if this is available for your model and year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a locksmith open my car if I do not have my keys with me?

Yes. A locksmith can open your car without your keys using specialized tools. You will need to show proof of ownership (driver's license and vehicle registration or insurance card) so the locksmith can confirm you own the vehicle.

Will my car alarm go off if a locksmith opens it?

It may, depending on your vehicle. A professional locksmith knows how to minimize alarm set up, but it is not always avoidable. If the alarm does go off, it will stop once you start the engine or disarm it with your key fob.

Is it cheaper to call a locksmith or use roadside information?

If you have roadside information through insurance, AAA, or your vehicle manufacturer, use it first—it is often free or costs $50 or less. If you do not have coverage, a locksmith typically costs $50 to $200 depending on location and time of day. Purchasing a one-time roadside service call without membership is usually more expensive than calling a locksmith directly.

What if I locked my keys in the car with my child or pet inside?

Call 911 when ready. This is an emergency. Police and fire departments can respond faster than a locksmith and have tools to open vehicles quickly. Do not attempt to break in yourself, as this takes time and may injure the child or pet.

Can I unlock my car with my phone?

Some newer vehicles allow remote unlocking through the manufacturer's mobile app (available from Ford, GM, BMW, and others). Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if your vehicle supports this feature. If it does, you will need to set up the app before you are locked out.