The fastest way depends on whether you have a spare key nearby and how much damage you're willing to risk

If your keys are locked inside your car, you have four realistic options: call a locksmith, contact roadside information, try to unlock it yourself with tools you have on hand, or call the police non-emergency line if you have a child or pet trapped inside. A locksmith typically arrives within 30 to 60 minutes in urban areas and costs between $50 and $150 depending on your location and the car's lock type. Roadside information through your auto insurance or a membership program like AAA often covers lockouts at no extra charge if you're already a member.

Self-help methods work on some older cars but risk damaging your door, weather stripping, or lock mechanism — and modern vehicles with electronic locks are nearly impossible to open without the key. The choice between these options depends on your car's age, whether you have a membership or insurance coverage, and how much time you have to wait.

Key Takeaways

  • A professional locksmith is the safest option and usually costs $50 to $150, with faster response times in cities than rural areas.
  • Roadside information programs like AAA often cover lockouts at no cost if you're already a member; check your auto insurance policy first.
  • Calling 911 is appropriate only if a child, elderly person, or pet is trapped in the car; non-emergency lines handle routine lockouts.
  • DIY methods like using a slim jim or coat hanger work mainly on older cars with manual locks and risk permanent damage to your door and seals.
  • Prevention is cheaper than rescue: keep a spare key in your wallet, with a trusted friend, or in a magnetic lockbox hidden on your vehicle frame.

When to call a locksmith instead of trying it yourself

A professional locksmith has the right tools and training to open your car without damaging the lock cylinder, door frame, or rubber seals. They carry specialized equipment like slim jims, lock picks, and wedges designed specifically for automotive locks. If your car has a keypad entry system, electronic locks, or a smart key, a locksmith is your only real option — these systems cannot be bypassed with improvised tools without triggering the alarm or causing electrical damage.

The cost of a locksmith call ($50 to $150) is usually less than the cost of repairing a bent door frame, cracked window, or damaged lock mechanism that results from a DIY attempt. Locksmiths are also faster in most cases: they arrive with the right equipment and open the door in minutes, whereas a DIY attempt can take an hour or more and still fail. If you're in a safe location and not in a time crunch, calling a locksmith is the lowest-risk choice.

Using roadside information and auto insurance coverage

Many auto insurance policies include roadside information that covers lockouts at no additional cost beyond your regular premium. Check your policy documents or call your insurer's customer service line to confirm whether lockout service is included. If it is, you typically call a dedicated roadside information number, provide your policy number and vehicle information, and a dispatch center sends a service provider to your location.

AAA membership, which costs around $50 to $150 per year depending on the membership tier, also covers lockouts. If you're already a member, a lockout call is free. Response times vary by location — urban areas usually see service within 30 to 60 minutes, while rural areas may take longer. Some credit cards and employer benefits programs also include roadside information, so check what you already have before paying out of pocket.

DIY methods that work on older vehicles with manual locks

If you have an older car with a manual lock button (not electronic), you may be able to open it using a slim jim, a straightened coat hanger, or a plastic shim. A slim jim is a flat metal tool designed to slip between the window and door frame and manipulate the lock rod inside. To use one, you insert it between the rubber weather stripping and the window glass, slide it down until you feel resistance, then angle it to catch the lock mechanism and pull upward.

A coat hanger can work as a makeshift slim jim: straighten it, bend one end into a small hook, and use the same technique. A plastic shim — a thin, flexible piece of plastic — can sometimes open doors with push-button locks by sliding it between the door frame and the door itself to depress the lock button from outside. These methods require patience and carry real risk of damage: you can tear the weather stripping, scratch the paint, or bend the lock rod so the lock no longer works properly. None of these methods work on modern cars with electronic locks, keyless entry, or alarm systems. Attempting them on a newer vehicle will likely trigger the alarm, damage the door electronics, or both.

What to do if a child or pet is trapped inside

If a child, elderly person, or pet is locked in the car, call 911 when ready. Provide your location, vehicle description, and the fact that someone is trapped inside. Police dispatch will prioritize your call and send officers who can break a window or contact a locksmith with emergency authorization. Do not waste time trying DIY methods — the risk of heat exhaustion or injury inside a closed car increases rapidly, especially on warm days.

While waiting for help, try to keep the person or animal calm and visible through the window. If it's very hot, try to shade the windows with your body or anything nearby. Police and fire departments have authority to break a window if necessary, and the cost of replacing one window is far less than the risk to a trapped person or animal.

Prevention: keeping spare keys accessible

The cheapest lockout is the one that never happens. Keep a spare key in your wallet or with a trusted friend or family member who lives or works nearby. If you prefer not to give a spare to someone else, a magnetic lockbox designed for car keys can be hidden on your vehicle frame — under the bumper, inside the wheel well, or on the undercarriage where it's not visible. These boxes cost $10 to $20 and are far cheaper than a locksmith call.

Some newer cars allow you to add a digital key to your phone through the manufacturer's app, which lets you unlock the car remotely or share access with someone else. Check your vehicle's manual or manufacturer website to see if this option is available for your model. If you frequently lock yourself out, consider programming a second key fob or having your dealer create a spare — this is usually cheaper than a locksmith and gives you a backup for future emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock my car with my phone?

Some newer cars support digital keys through Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or the manufacturer's app, which allows you to unlock the car from your phone. This feature is available on select models from BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and others, but not all vehicles support it. Check your car's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm whether your model has this capability.

Will my car alarm go off if I try to open it myself?

Older cars with manual locks usually won't trigger an alarm when you open them. Modern cars with electronic locks and alarm systems will likely sound the alarm if you attempt to manipulate the lock mechanism. Once the alarm sounds, it can be difficult to stop without the key, and it may draw unwanted attention or police response.

How long does it take a locksmith to arrive?

Response times vary by location and time of day. In cities, locksmiths typically arrive within 30 to 60 minutes. In rural areas, wait times can be 2 to 3 hours or longer. Late-night calls may also take longer because fewer locksmiths are available. Roadside information programs sometimes have faster response times in populated areas.

What if I'm locked out in a remote area with no cell service?

If you have no cell signal, try to reach a location with service — a nearby building, a higher elevation, or a main road. Once you have a signal, call roadside information or a locksmith. If you're stranded for an extended period, flag down a passing vehicle and ask to use their phone. In true emergencies, stay with your vehicle and wait for help rather than wandering into unfamiliar terrain.

Is it cheaper to call a locksmith or break a window?

A locksmith call typically costs $50 to $150. Replacing a car window costs $200 to $400 or more depending on the type and whether it's a regular window or a specialized one. Breaking a window should be a last resort, used only when someone is trapped inside and emergency services recommend it. A locksmith is almost always the cheaper option.