What to do when you're locked out of your car
If you're locked out of your car, your fastest option is to call a locksmith or roadside information service — they can open the door in minutes without damaging your vehicle. If you have roadside coverage through your insurance, auto club membership, or a credit card, that service is usually free. A locksmith typically charges $50 to $150 depending on your location and the time of day. If you're in a genuine emergency — a child or pet in the car, for example — call 911 first.
The methods you might see online for opening a car door yourself (using a wire hanger, a slim jim tool, or wedging the door open) carry real risks: you can damage the door frame, lock mechanism, or electrical system, and repairs often cost more than a locksmith visit. Modern cars with electronic locks are especially difficult to open without the right tools and training. This guide covers your actual options and what to expect from each one.
Key Takeaways
- Roadside information through your insurance, auto club, or credit card membership usually covers lockout calls at no cost or a small fee.
- A professional locksmith is the safest way to open your car door and typically costs $50 to $150 depending on location and time of day.
- Calling 911 is appropriate only if someone is trapped in the car or you're in when ready danger; they will not send help for a routine lockout.
- Attempting to open the door yourself with improvised tools risks damage to the door, frame, or lock mechanism that costs more to repair than hiring a professional.
- Having a spare key made and stored with a trusted person, or keeping a spare in a magnetic lockbox, prevents most lockout situations.
Calling roadside information first
Check your insurance policy, auto club membership card, or credit card benefits before you call a locksmith. Most auto insurance policies include roadside information at no extra charge, and it covers lockouts. AAA membership includes lockout service. Many credit cards (particularly premium travel cards) offer roadside information as a cardholder benefit. A single call to the number on your card or policy will dispatch someone to your location.
Tell the dispatcher your exact location, the make and model of your car, and whether anyone is trapped inside. Response time varies from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on how busy the service is and how remote your location is. You'll stay with your car while you wait. This option costs nothing if you already have the membership or coverage, making it the first call to make before you pay out of pocket.
Hiring a locksmith when roadside information isn't available
If you don't have roadside coverage, search online for "automotive locksmith near me" or "car locksmith" plus your city name. Call at least two locksmiths and ask for their rate before they come out — legitimate locksmiths will quote a price over the phone. Rates typically range from $50 to $150, with higher prices for nights, weekends, or holidays. Some locksmiths charge a flat rate; others charge by the hour. Ask whether the price includes opening the door or if there are additional charges.
When the locksmith arrives, they'll ask to see your driver's license and proof that you own the car (registration or insurance card). This is standard practice and protects against theft. They'll use specialized tools designed for your car's lock type and will open the door without damaging it. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Ask the locksmith whether they can make a spare key on the spot — many can, which costs an additional $10 to $30 and saves you a trip to the dealership later.
What to do if someone is trapped in the car
If a child, elderly person, or pet is locked inside the car, call 911 when ready. Tell the dispatcher that someone is trapped and give your location. Police or fire departments can open the car quickly and will prioritize your call. Do not attempt to break a window or force the door open yourself — you risk injuring the person inside or causing the car to move unexpectedly.
In hot weather, a car interior can reach dangerous temperatures in minutes. If you're waiting for emergency services and the person inside is showing signs of heat stress (confusion, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness), tell the dispatcher this is a medical emergency. They may send paramedics in addition to police or fire.
Why DIY methods damage your car
Online guides often suggest using a wire hanger, a slim jim tool, or a wedge to open a locked car door. These methods work on older cars with straightforward mechanical locks, but they carry serious risks. Forcing a wire hanger or tool into the door frame can bend or crack the frame itself, damage the weatherstripping that keeps water out, or break the lock mechanism. Repairs to the door frame or lock can cost $200 to $500.
Modern cars have electronic locks controlled by the car's computer system. Inserting tools into the door can damage the wiring or sensors, triggering error codes that require a dealership visit to clear. Even if you successfully open the door, you may have created a new problem that costs more to fix than the locksmith would have charged. A professional locksmith has the right tools for your specific car model and knows how to open it without damage.
Preventing lockouts with spare keys
The most reliable way to avoid a lockout is to have a spare key and keep it somewhere accessible. Give a spare to a trusted family member or friend who lives nearby — someone you can reach quickly if you're locked out. This costs nothing beyond the price of making the spare key (usually $5 to $15 at a hardware store or dealership) and eliminates the need to call a locksmith.
Another option is a magnetic lockbox designed for cars. These small metal boxes attach to the underside of your car frame or inside a wheel well and hold a spare key. They cost $10 to $25 and are available at hardware stores or online. Keep the spare key in the box and remember where you put it. Do not hide a spare key under the floor mat, in the visor, or in the glove compartment — these are the first places a thief looks.
What happens after the locksmith opens your door
Once your car is open, you can drive normally. If the locksmith made a spare key for you, test it before you leave to make sure it works. If you don't have a spare yet, visit a hardware store or your car's dealership within the next few days and have one made. A dealership spare costs more ($100 to $200) but is programmed to your car's security system. A hardware store spare costs less ($5 to $15) but works only for the mechanical lock, not the electronic security features.
If your car has a keyless entry system and you've lost your only key, you'll need to visit the dealership. They can reprogram the system and create new keys. Bring your driver's license and proof of ownership. This process takes a few hours and costs $200 to $500 depending on your car model, so having a spare key made when you still have one is much cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance cover the locksmith cost?
Most auto insurance policies include roadside information that covers lockouts at no cost or a small deductible ($0 to $100). Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to confirm. If you don't have roadside coverage, the locksmith cost is yours to pay, though it's usually cheaper than damage caused by forcing the door open.
Can a locksmith open my car if the keys are inside?
Yes. A locksmith can open the door whether the keys are inside or lost. The process is the same either way. Once the door is open, you can retrieve your keys. If you want a spare key made, the locksmith can do that on the spot if your keys are accessible inside the car.
How long does it take a locksmith to open a car door?
A professional locksmith typically opens a car door in 15 to 30 minutes. Roadside information services may take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy they are and your location. If you're in a remote area, wait times are longer.
What should I do if I'm locked out at night or on a holiday?
Call roadside information first — they operate 24/7. If you don't have roadside coverage, search for a 24-hour locksmith in your area. Expect to pay a premium rate for after-hours service (often 50% to 100% more than daytime rates). Having a spare key with a trusted person nearby prevents this situation entirely.
Is it illegal to open someone else's car door?
Yes. Opening a car that doesn't belong to you is illegal, even if you have the tools and skills. This is why locksmiths ask for your driver's license and proof of ownership — it protects them legally and protects you from being accused of theft. Always hire a professional if it's not your car.