What To Do If You Locked Your Keys in the Car

It happens to everyone at least once. You close the door, hear the click, and immediately realize the keys are sitting on the seat. Here’s exactly what to do — in order.

Step 1: Check everything before panicking

Before calling anyone, take 30 seconds to check:

• All four doors — one might be unlocked
• The trunk — some cars have a fold-down rear seat that lets you reach through from the trunk
• Your phone — many newer vehicles have manufacturer apps (Toyota Remote Connect, Ford Pass, GM’s myChevrolet) that can unlock remotely

If your car has a keypad entry (common on Ford F-Series, Bronco), you may be able to enter the factory door code. Check your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer’s roadside number.

Step 2: Assess the situation

Child or pet locked inside → Call 911 immediately. In warm weather, temperatures inside a parked car spike to dangerous levels within minutes. Don’t wait for a locksmith. Call emergency services — they are trained and legally authorized to break a window if necessary.

You’re in an unsafe area → Call 911, then a locksmith. Police may respond and help unlock the vehicle depending on the jurisdiction. Either way, stay visible and near other people while you wait.

Standard lockout → Call a mobile locksmith. A locksmith is the fastest, cheapest, and safest option for a straightforward car lockout.

Step 3: Call a locksmith (not a random Google ad)

This is where people get burned. When you search “locksmith near me” while stressed, you’re likely to click the top ad — which may be a scam operation that quotes $15 and bills $300 after arrival.

What a legitimate locksmith does:

• Quotes a flat price over the phone before they arrive
• Shows up in a marked vehicle (or at minimum, in a plain car with ID and tools)
• Opens the car without damage in under 10 minutes for most vehicles
• Charges what they quoted

Red flags:

• Won’t quote a price before arrival
• Arrives in an unmarked car with no ID
• Claims the lock is “special” and will cost extra — before they’ve even tried
• Asks for payment in cash only, upfront

On LockNear, every locksmith shows their flat rate before you confirm. You can see their reviews, response time, and license status before they head your way.

Step 4: While you wait

• Stay with your vehicle if it’s safe to do so
• If you parked in a paid lot or garage, tell an attendant — they may be able to help or hold your space
• If it’s a work vehicle, check with your fleet manager — they may have a spare on file

How long does it take?

In most metro areas, a locksmith on LockNear arrives in 15–30 minutes. The actual unlock takes 2–10 minutes once they’re there. Total time from call to driving away: under 45 minutes in most cases.

Can you unlock it yourself?

Technically, some people try using a shoelace or a wire coat hanger through the door seal. The short answer: don’t. Modern cars have airbag sensors, weather seals, and anti-theft rods near the door frame. Forcing a wire in can trigger the airbag (expensive), tear the seal ($50–$200 to repair), or damage the lock mechanism.

A locksmith with proper tools does the same job in 2 minutes without any of that risk.

What does it cost?

A standard car lockout costs $65–$95 in most US cities. After 10pm, expect an after-hours surcharge of $20–$40. LockNear shows the full price before you confirm — no surprises.

Prevent it next time

• Add your vehicle’s manufacturer app to your phone
• Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted person
• Consider a magnetic key holder under the chassis (not visible, not on the bumper where thieves look)
• Some dealers can set up a keypad code on compatible models