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Locked keys in the car: what to do

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The short answer

If a child or a pet is locked inside, call emergency services right away. If not, stay somewhere safe, check for a spare key or a phone app, and call your roadside assistance plan or a local lockout service. Avoid forcing the door, which can damage the car.

What should I do first if my keys are locked in the car?

First, check if anyone or anything alive is inside. If a child or a pet is in the car, call emergency services right away. Do not wait for a lockout service.

If the car is empty, you have time. Take a breath, move to a safe place and then look at your options. Most lockouts are a bad afternoon, not an emergency.

Why should I not force the door?

Forcing a door, a window or a lock can bend the frame, scratch the paint, break a seal or damage the electronics. A repair can be worse than the lockout.

Trained technicians have tools made for this job. Give them a chance to work. It is also safer, since a coat hanger or a wedge can hurt you or the car.

Who can help if I am locked out?

Your roadside assistance plan is a good first call, since lockouts are a common service. A local locksmith or a local tow company may also do lockouts.

Ask if they handle your kind of car. Ask how long they will be, and ask what proof they will need from you.

  • Your roadside assistance plan.
  • A local locksmith.
  • A local tow company that does lockouts.
  • A family member with a spare key.
  • The car maker app, if your car has one.

What if the engine is running or the keys are in the trunk?

If the engine is running, tell the person you call. Stay out of a closed garage, since exhaust is dangerous. Note where the car is parked and keep away from the road.

If the keys are in the trunk, the same steps apply. Many cars have a way to open the trunk from the inside, but you cannot get inside. Your owner's manual explains how your car handles a remote, an app or a manual unlock, and a professional can often solve it without damage.

Step by step

  1. Check for a child, a pet or a person inside

    If anyone is locked inside, call emergency services right now and stay with the car. A closed car can get dangerously hot or cold fast.

  2. Make sure you are in a safe place

    If you are on a road or in a dark lot, move to a lit and safe spot. If the engine is running, note that too.

  3. Try every door and the trunk

    Pull each handle gently. Check that you did not miss one. Do not force a door or a window.

  4. Look for a spare key or an app

    Think about who has a spare and whether they can bring it. Some cars can be unlocked with a phone app from the car maker.

  5. Call your roadside assistance plan or a lockout service

    Use your plan (through your insurer, car maker, credit card or auto club) or call a local locksmith or tow company that does lockouts. Tell them where you are and what car you have.

  6. Have proof the car is yours

    Be ready to show your ID and something that links you to the car, like your registration or insurance card. If those are inside, tell the company.

  7. Wait somewhere safe and stay reachable

    Keep your phone with you. Confirm the arrival time and the name of the person coming.

Frequently asked questions

What if my child is locked in the car?

Call emergency services immediately and stay with the car. Do not wait for a locksmith or a tow company. Follow the operator's directions.

Can I get a spare key made on the spot?

Sometimes, but it depends on your car. Some cars have keys that need to be programmed. Ask a locksmith or your dealer what is possible.

Is a lockout covered by roadside assistance?

Many plans include lockouts, though details differ. Check your plan or ask when you call.

What if I am locked out at night in a place I do not know?

Move to a well lit, busy spot if you can, keep your phone charged and tell someone where you are. If you feel unsafe, call emergency services.

Stuck right now?

If anyone is hurt, or you are stopped in traffic, call emergency services first. Then get to a safe spot away from moving traffic.

Once you are safe, call your local tow company or your roadside assistance plan. This page is general information and cannot send help.

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