Locked Out of Your Car? Here's Exactly What to Do

Realizing you've locked your keys in the car is a sinking feeling. Follow these car lockout steps to get back inside safely and quickly.

What to Do When Locked Out of Your Car

Being locked out of car is incredibly frustrating, especially in the Arizona heat. Whether you left the keys on the seat, in the trunk, or lost them completely, here is exactly what you should do.

1. Check All Doors and the Trunk

It sounds obvious, but in a moment of panic, many people forget to check every access point. Check all passenger doors and the trunk. If your trunk is unlocked and your car has folding rear seats, you might be able to crawl through to retrieve your keys.

2. Safety First

Assess your surroundings. Are you in a safe, well-lit area? If you are in a dangerous location, or if it is extremely hot and a child or pet is locked inside the vehicle, call 911 immediately. Police and fire departments will assist in life-threatening emergencies.

3. Check for a Spare Key

Do you have a spare key at home? Can a friend or family member bring it to you? If you have roadside assistance through your insurance or AAA, now is the time to check your coverage.

4. Call a Professional Mobile Locksmith

If you have locked keys in car and don't have a spare, calling a local mobile locksmith is the fastest and safest solution. A professional locksmith has specialized tools (like air wedges and long-reach tools) to unlock your door in minutes without damaging the weather stripping, paint, or lock mechanism.

What NOT to Do

• Do not break a window: Unless it is an absolute life-or-death emergency, breaking a window will cost significantly more to repair than hiring a locksmith.
• Do not use a coat hanger: Modern cars have complex internal door mechanisms, wiring, and side airbags. Shoving a wire hanger down the window seal can cause hundreds of dollars in electrical and mechanical damage.
• Do not try to pry the door: Using screwdrivers or crowbars will permanently bend your door frame and chip your paint.