Car Lockout
Keys on the seat, in the trunk, or a fob shut inside a push-button car: we open it with proper tools, never a slim jim.
Mon–Sat 8 AM–8 PMInsured15 years of experience
Keys inside, you outside. We fix that.
No slim jims
An inflatable air wedge opens a small gap at the top of the door, and a long reach tool presses the unlock button or lifts the handle from inside.
Worked with care, that means no scratched paint and no torn weather seals. Slim jims were made for older cars; inside a modern door they can snag wiring, airbag sensors and lock rods, which is why we leave them at home.
Trunks, trucks and push-button cars
Keys end up in the trunk, behind a tailgate, or inside a truck that locked itself. Some push-button cars will lock with the fob still inside, and we open those too. Rental trucks and fleet vans are everyday calls for us as well.
Lost them instead?
If the keys aren’t in the car at all, it’s a different job. See lost all car keys, where we make a new key from the car itself.
Want a backup for next time? That’s a spare car keys job, and the lockout is free when we make the spare on the same trip.
Your car lockout, start to finish
Tell us where you are
A street address or a store lot, plus the make, model and year. If the spot feels unsafe, move somewhere well lit nearby and tell us where.
Quick response
We head out. We may ask for ID and proof the car is yours.
We open it
Air wedge and reach tools, worked slowly and carefully.
Keys in your hand
Want a spare while we’re there? We can make one during the same visit.
Common car lockouts
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Keys on the seat
The call we get most: the door shuts and the keys stay behind.
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Keys in the trunk
We open the car first and, on many models, reach the trunk from inside.
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Fob locked in a push-button car
Some cars lock themselves with the fob still in the cup holder. We open them like any other.
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Keys in a running car
Engine on, doors locked. Stay near the car and call us.
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Child or pet inside
If they may be in danger, call 911 first, then call us.
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Rental and company vehicles
Rental trucks, work vans and borrowed cars open the same way. We may ask you to show you’re allowed to drive the vehicle.
Make a spare and the lockout is free.
- FREE LOCKOUT Car lockout, when we make you a spare key Car lockouts only. We make the spare key on that same trip.
Car lockout questions
Will opening my car set off the alarm?
It might, for a moment. The alarm usually stops once the car sees your key or fob, and it doesn’t harm anything.
Does my roadside plan cover a locksmith?
Some roadside plans, insurers and auto clubs reimburse locksmith service. You pay us at the time of service, and we give you an itemized receipt to send in.
Can you get my keys out of a locked trunk?
Usually. We open the car first, then reach the trunk through the inside release or the fold-down rear seats on many models.
Do you need proof the car is mine?
We may ask for ID and proof the car is yours, such as the registration once the door is open. The same check stops anyone else from opening your car.
Can you open my car without scratching it?
That’s what the air wedge and reach tools are for: they work through a small gap, so the paint isn’t scratched. We take care with the weather seals and the window glass too.
More emergency locksmith services
Keys locked in the car? Call us.
Tell us where you are and what you drive. We quote the price on the phone whenever we can, then head your way.