Who Do I Call If I Lock My Keys In My Car?

Last Updated on January 8, 2026

Everyone makes mistakes. If you lock your keys in your car, you usually have a few safe, fast ways to get back in—without damaging the door, window, or weather stripping.

Start with the simplest fix (a spare key or remote unlock). If that doesn’t work, roadside assistance through your insurer or AAA can typically dispatch help. If you don’t have coverage, a local locksmith can still get you in—you’ll just pay out of pocket.

Here’s who to call (and what to try) when your keys are locked inside your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the fastest fixes: check all doors/trunk, use remote unlock (automaker app/connected services), or get a spare key delivered.
• If it’s not an emergency, your best next call is usually AAA or your insurer’s roadside assistance to dispatch a pro without damaging your vehicle.
• Credit cards and phone carriers may offer roadside help, but it’s often pay-per-use or capped—so it may not cover the full bill.
• If a child or pet is trapped, call 911 immediately and act fast—heat emergencies can turn dangerous quickly.

Step 1: Try the Easy Wins First

• Check every door, trunk, and hatch: It’s surprisingly common for one door or the trunk to be unlocked.
• Use remote unlock if you have it: Many vehicles can be unlocked through an automaker app (or a connected-service program). This is often the fastest solution if your account is already set up.
• Look for a spare key: If a friend/family member can bring a spare, that’s usually the cheapest “service call” you’ll ever get.

Is It an Emergency?

If a child or pet is locked in the vehicle, treat it as an emergency—especially in warm weather or if they’re in distress.

• Call 911 immediately if anyone is at risk.
• If there’s an immediate threat and you can’t get the door open quickly, you may need to get into the car right away—even if that means breaking a window. (In a true emergency, seconds matter.)

For non-emergencies, avoid DIY “break-in” methods (coat hangers, wedges, slim jims). Modern doors have airbags, sensors, and wiring that can be damaged—and you can turn a lockout into a much bigger repair bill.

Option #1: Call Your Roadside Assistance Company (AAA or Similar)

If you subscribe to AAA or another roadside provider, this is usually the best first call. Roadside technicians can often unlock the vehicle, and if they can’t, they can help coordinate the next step (like towing to a dealer or reimbursing a locksmith, depending on your plan).

Most roadside memberships include a limited number of service calls per year (commonly 3–5), and may have locksmith reimbursement limits. Check your membership level so you know what’s covered before you need it.

Option #2: Call Your Insurance Company’s Roadside Assistance Hotline

If you don’t have AAA (or you’d rather use your insurance benefits), call your insurer and ask if you have roadside assistance. Many drivers have it as an add-on, and it’s often inexpensive to carry.

You can also check these insurer-specific guides:

• GEICO
• Progressive
• Allstate
• State Farm

Even if you don’t have roadside assistance, some insurers can still help coordinate a service provider—you’ll just pay out of pocket.

• If you have roadside assistance: The insurer typically dispatches help (often a locksmith or roadside technician). You may pay $0, or you may have a small limit/cap depending on the plan.
• If you don’t have roadside assistance: You can still call for guidance or dispatch, but expect to pay market rates.

If you have questions about coverage in general, see this guide to roadside assistance.

Option #3: Call Your Dealership (Warranty Roadside Assistance)

Some new vehicles include roadside assistance through the manufacturer warranty or a complimentary trial period. If your vehicle is still under warranty, call the dealership and ask if lockout assistance or towing is included and what the rules are (distance limits, where they’ll tow it, etc.).

Option #4: Call OnStar or Use Your Vehicle’s Remote Unlock Feature

If your car has connected services (like OnStar or a manufacturer app), you may be able to unlock your doors remotely. This works best if your account is already set up and you have your PIN/login info available.

Remote unlock can be a lifesaver when your keys are inside the car and your phone is outside the car. If your phone is locked inside too, you’ll likely need a spare phone or help from roadside/locksmith services.

Option #5: Call Your Credit Card’s Roadside Assistance Hotline

Roadside assistance is an often overlooked perk of credit card membership. Some cards offer pay-per-use roadside dispatch at a fixed fee (not “free”), while premium cards may reimburse up to a set amount per event.

In general, credit card roadside programs can be useful when you don’t have AAA or insurance roadside assistance—especially for a basic lockout. Just remember: these programs often do not cover key replacement or new key fobs (they usually cover entry assistance only).

Option #6: Check Your Phone Carrier (If You Already Enrolled)

Some phone carriers offer roadside assistance as an add-on subscription. You generally need to enroll before you’re locked out, and coverage typically has limits (miles, dollar caps, and/or number of service events per year).

AT&T’s roadside assistance, for example, is a low-cost add-on but usually includes a per-event benefit cap—meaning it may cover part of a locksmith visit, not necessarily all of it.

If you think you might have carrier roadside assistance, check your add-ons in your carrier app/account and look for “Roadside Assistance” (or similar) before you request service.

Option #7: Call a Local Locksmith Yourself

If you don’t have roadside assistance coverage, you can still call a locksmith directly. Ask for an upfront estimate and confirm pricing before anyone is dispatched.

Be ready to provide: your exact location, vehicle year/make/model, and proof of ownership (many locksmiths require ID and registration).

Other Tips After Locking Your Keys in Your Car

• Expect lockout costs to vary: A basic car unlock is often in the $60–$150 range, but after-hours service, long distances, and newer “smart key” vehicles can cost more.
• Lockout help is usually “entry only”: Most roadside plans help you get into the car. Replacing a lost key or programming a new fob is typically separate (and can be expensive).
• Watch for price surprises: Ask about trip fees, after-hours fees, and whether they charge extra for certain vehicle types.
• Prevent the next lockout: Keep a spare key accessible (with a trusted person, at home, or in a secure place). And set up your automaker app/connected services now—before you need remote unlock.

FAQs on Locked Keys in Your Car

Final Word

Locking your keys in your car is frustrating—but it’s usually fixable quickly.

If it’s an emergency (child or pet at risk), call 911 immediately. For non-emergencies, try a spare key or remote unlock first, then call AAA or your insurer’s roadside assistance. If you don’t have coverage, a local locksmith can still help—just confirm pricing before you agree to service.