The fastest way depends on what you have access to right now

If your key is lost or broken, you have several options before you call a locksmith. The method that works depends on your car's age, whether you're inside or outside the vehicle, and what tools you have on hand. Most cars made in the last 15 years have a trunk release lever inside the cabin — usually on the floor to the left of the driver's seat or on the dashboard. Older vehicles often require you to use the key or call for help.

The goal here is to understand what your specific car offers, so you can act without wasting time or money on a solution that won't work for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Most modern cars have an interior trunk release lever that opens the trunk from inside the cabin without needing a key.
  • If you're locked out of the car entirely, you'll need to call a locksmith, roadside information, or your car's manufacturer for help.
  • Roadside information programs like AAA often cover trunk opening as part of their service, so check your membership before paying out of pocket.
  • Prying or forcing the trunk can damage the latch and weatherstripping, making repairs more expensive than a locksmith visit.
  • If your key fob works but the physical key is broken, the fob alone may be enough to open the trunk on many newer vehicles.

Using the interior trunk release if you're inside the car

If you're sitting in the driver's seat with the doors unlocked, look for a lever or button labeled "trunk" or marked with a trunk symbol. On most cars built after 2005, this is mounted on the floor to the left of the driver's seat, near the hood release. Pull or press it firmly — you should hear a click and feel the trunk pop open slightly.

On some vehicles, the trunk release is a button on the dashboard, usually near the steering wheel or on the door panel. Check your owner's manual for the exact location if you can't find it by looking. If your car has a key fob, the trunk button on the fob (usually marked with a trunk icon) will also open the trunk from outside, even if your physical key is missing.

Older cars, particularly those made before 2000, often do not have an interior release. If you own an older vehicle and the key is lost, you will need to contact a locksmith or your car's dealership.

What to do if you're locked out of the car entirely

If you cannot get inside the car to reach the interior trunk release, your options narrow. Do not attempt to pry open the trunk yourself — you risk damaging the latch, the weatherstripping, and the trunk lid itself, which can cost hundreds of dollars to repair.

Call a locksmith who works on vehicles. They carry tools designed to open trunks without damage and can usually reach you within an hour in urban areas. The cost typically ranges from $75 to $150, depending on your location and the time of day. If you have roadside information through AAA, your car insurance, or your employer, call them first — many programs cover trunk opening at no extra charge.

Your car's dealership can also open the trunk if you provide proof of ownership. This route is slower but may be cheaper if you have a service plan or warranty that covers lockout services.

Using a key fob when the physical key is broken

If your key fob still works but the physical key itself is cracked, bent, or snapped, the fob alone may be enough. Press the trunk button on the fob from outside the car. On most vehicles made after 2010, this will open the trunk without needing the physical key at all.

If the fob doesn't work, the battery inside it may be dead. Replace the battery (usually a CR2032 or similar coin cell, available at any drugstore for a few dollars) and try again. If the fob still doesn't respond after a fresh battery, it may need to be reprogrammed or replaced — contact your dealership for the cost and process.

When to call a professional instead of trying to force it open

Attempting to pry open a trunk with a screwdriver, crowbar, or other tool almost always causes damage. The trunk latch is a precision mechanism, and forcing it can bend the striker plate or break the latch itself. Repairing or replacing these parts costs $200 to $500 at a dealership.

A locksmith's fee of $75 to $150 is far cheaper than repairing damage you create yourself. Locksmiths also carry specialized tools — like slim jims and lock picks — that are designed to open trunks without harming the vehicle. If you have roadside information, the service is often free, making it the best first call.

Preventing this problem in the future

Keep a spare key in a find location outside your car — not in your wallet or purse, but at home or with a trusted person. If you lose your only key, you'll have a backup without needing to call a locksmith or dealership.

If your key fob is your primary way of opening the trunk, replace its battery every two to three years, even if it still seems to work. A dying battery can fail without warning, leaving you locked out. You can also ask your dealership to program a spare fob so you have a backup if one is lost or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open my trunk if the battery is dead?

If your car's battery is completely dead, the interior trunk release won't work because it's electric. A key fob also won't work. You'll need to call a locksmith or roadside information. Some locksmiths can open the trunk mechanically without power, but not all vehicles allow this.

What if my trunk is stuck and won't open even with the release?

If the release lever moves but the trunk doesn't pop open, the latch may be frozen or the cable connecting the release to the latch may be broken. Do not force it — you'll damage the mechanism further. Call a locksmith or your dealership to diagnose the problem.

Is it cheaper to call a locksmith or go to the dealership?

A locksmith typically costs $75 to $150 and can usually arrive within an hour. A dealership may charge $100 to $200 and requires an appointment. If you have roadside information, that's often free. Compare your options before calling anyone.

Can I open the trunk from the back seat?

No. The interior trunk release is always in the front cabin, usually near the driver's seat. There is no way to open the trunk from the back seat or from outside the car without a key, fob, or professional help.

What should I do if my key broke inside the trunk?

You'll need to open the trunk first using one of the methods above — the interior release, a working fob, or a locksmith. Once it's open, retrieve the broken key. Then contact a locksmith or dealership to have a new key made from your vehicle identification number (VIN).