Call Now: (954)-479-2040 for 24/7 Towing

Locked Keys Inside the Car? Here’s What to Do Next

If your keys are locked inside the car, the safest approach is to avoid forcing the door or breaking a window and first check the access options already available to you. Look for a spare key, try your vehicle's available remote or keyless-entry features, or contact roadside assistance if it is included with your coverage. If those options are not available, a professional locksmith can provide vehicle lockout assistance without unnecessary damage. If those options are not available, contacting roadside assistance (if included with your coverage), police assistance, or a professional locksmith can provide vehicle lockout assistance without unnecessary damage, which is especially important if you are stranded or have an immediate safety concern.

According to AAA (American Automobile Association) roadside service data, vehicle lockouts account for roughly 10% of all total roadside service calls, with AAA alone coming to the rescue of more than 4 million drivers locked out of their cars each year.

What Should You Do If Your Keys Are Locked Inside Your Car?

First, determine whether anyone is in immediate danger. If a child, vulnerable person, or animal is locked inside the vehicle, treat the situation as an emergency and contact emergency services.

If there is no immediate danger, check the simplest non-destructive options first:

Check for a spare key. A family member or another trusted person may be able to bring it to you.
Check your vehicle's available access features. Some vehicles provide remote unlocking or keyless-entry options through a connected service, app, or other vehicle-specific system.
Contact roadside assistance. Your roadside assistance plan may include vehicle lockout service.
Check whether local police offer lockout assistance. Availability varies by department and location, so contact the appropriate local line rather than assuming the service is available.
Call a locksmith. A professional automotive locksmith can assess the lockout and provide appropriate access assistance when other options are unavailable.

How to Unlock a Car Door With Keys Inside?

When the keys are inside a locked car, start with methods that do not require damaging the vehicle. The objective is to regain access while protecting the door, window, locks, weather seals, and other components.

Follow the tips below to unlocke a car door with keys left inside.

Use a Spare Key

A spare key is usually the simplest solution when someone can bring it to you. Contact a family member, friend, or another trusted person who has access to the spare. If you regularly drive the vehicle, keeping a spare key in a secure and accessible location can reduce the disruption caused by a future car lockout. A spare key also avoids the need to force a door or interfere with the vehicle's locking mechanism.

Ask for Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance may include vehicle lockout assistance, depending on the plan and provider.

If your roadside assistance coverage includes lockouts, contact the provider and explain that the keys are locked inside the vehicle. The service can determine what assistance is available and what information is needed before sending help. This can be particularly useful when you are stranded away from home or do not have access to a spare key.

Call for Police Help

Some local police departments may provide vehicle lockout assistance, but this is not a universal service.

The availability of police lockout assistance can depend on the department, location, circumstances, and current resources. Instead of assuming that police will unlock the vehicle for free, contact the appropriate local police line and ask whether vehicle lockout assistance is available. If the situation involves an immediate threat to a person's safety, use emergency services rather than treating it as an ordinary lockout.

Call a Locksmith

A professional locksmith can assess the vehicle and determine an appropriate way to restore access while minimizing the risk of damage. When contacting a locksmith, provide the vehicle's make, model, location, and the fact that the keys are locked inside. If you are dealing with a modern key fob, tell the locksmith that as well. The type of key and vehicle locking system can affect the assistance required.

Should You Try to Unlock the Car Yourself?

Trying to force your way into a locked vehicle can turn a simple car lockout into a much more expensive repair.

You may see online suggestions involving metal rods, window breakers, wedges, or other tools. These methods can create problems if used incorrectly, including broken glass, damaged weather seals, scratches, damaged locking components, or other vehicle damage.

For that reason, avoid attempting to break a window or manipulate the vehicle's locking mechanism unless there is an appropriate emergency and you have no safer alternative.

If there is no immediate danger, use a spare key, available vehicle access feature, roadside assistance, local assistance, or a professional locksmith instead.

What If Your Key Fob Is Locked Inside the Car?

A key fob locked inside the car can create a different type of lockout because modern vehicles may use proximity detection, keyless entry, and vehicle-specific security systems.

Start by checking whether you have:

A spare key or backup key fob
Another person who can bring the spare
A manufacturer-supported remote unlocking option
A connected vehicle service that allows remote access
Roadside assistance coverage
Access to an automotive locksmith

Do not assume that every vehicle responds to a key fob in the same way. Keyless-entry and proximity systems differ between vehicles, so the vehicle's make, model, and access system may determine which options are available.

If the key fob is inside the vehicle and none of the available access options work, professional lockout assistance can help you regain access without unnecessarily damaging the car.

How to Prevent Locking Your Car Keys Inside Your Car?

A few simple habits can reduce the chance of another locked-keys-inside-the-car situation.

Keep a spare key available. Make sure a trusted person or secure location can provide access when needed.
Attach your keys to a lanyard or carabiner. This can make it less likely that you leave the keys inside the vehicle when exiting.
Check for your keys before closing the door. Make this a consistent habit, particularly when unloading groceries, luggage, or children.
Learn your vehicle's access options. Know whether your vehicle has remote unlocking, keyless entry, or a connected vehicle service.
Replace a weak key-fob battery. If your vehicle relies on a key fob, maintaining the battery can help avoid unexpected access problems.
Avoid leaving the key in the vehicle while it is unattended. Keeping the key with you reduces the chance of an accidental lockout.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Back Into a Locked Car?

The cost of getting back into a locked car depends on the solution you use and the circumstances of the lockout.

A spare key may involve no immediate service cost if you already have access to one. Roadside assistance may be included in an existing membership, insurance policy, or other coverage, although terms and service limits vary.

Police lockout assistance also varies by location and department, so it should not be assumed to be free.

If you call a locksmith, the final price can depend on factors such as:

Vehicle make and model
Type of key or key fob
Location of the vehicle
Time of service
Distance traveled by the locksmith
Complexity of the lockout
Whether additional key-related service is required

Can Police Help When Your Car Keys are Locked Inside?

Yes, Police may be able to help when your keys are locked inside your car, but availability depends on the local police department and circumstances. Contact the appropriate local police line and ask whether vehicle lockout assistance is provided rather than assuming that every department offers the service.

How Much Does A Car Lockout Service Cost?

A car lockout service does not have one universal price. The cost can vary according to the vehicle, location, time of service, type of key or key fob, and the assistance required. Before requesting service, ask the provider about the expected service-call charge, travel fee, after-hours fee, and any additional work that may be required.

Baptiste Towing & Transport provides 24/7 towing, flatbed transport, vehicle recovery, and roadside assistance across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.