If you are locked out of your car, the fastest and cheapest route is usually the roadside plan or insurance policy you already pay for, followed by a licensed locksmith or a tow operator who offers lockout service. If a child or a pet is inside, skip all of that and call 911 immediately. A closed car heats up far faster than most people expect, and a few minutes of delay matters.
For everyone else, the question is who to call and how to avoid overpaying. Often the call costs nothing because a plan you already pay for covers it; when it does not, the price depends on who you call and the time of day, so get a total before anyone starts work.
If someone is inside the car
A child or an animal locked in a parked car in the Valley's summer heat is an emergency, not a lockout. Dial 911 and stay with the car. California Penal Code section 597.7 prohibits leaving an animal in an unattended vehicle under conditions that endanger its health, including heat, and responders will treat it as urgent. Do not wait for a locksmith to arrive.
Your options compared
| Option | Typical cost | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadside plan or membership | Often included, up to a limited number of calls a year | Varies with demand | Check how many lockouts per year your plan covers |
| Auto insurance roadside add-on | Often included if you bought it | Varies | Many policies include or arrange lockout help, so call before paying anyone else |
| Manufacturer app or connected-services subscription | Often free or included | Minutes | Many newer cars can unlock remotely from a phone app |
| Licensed locksmith | Commonly about $60 to $200 | Often under an hour | Can also cut and program replacement keys |
| Tow or roadside operator with lockout service | Commonly about $50 to $125 | Often fast | Fine for standard door locks; ask whether they have the tools for your model |
| Dealer | Higher; usually for keys, not simple lockouts | Slowest | Needed if you also lost the only key |
These are general ranges and not quotes from any company. Prices rise at night and on holidays, and some luxury or older vehicles take longer. Always ask for the full price before the technician starts.
Before you call anyone
- Check every door and the trunk. It sounds obvious, but a passenger door or hatch is sometimes unlocked.
- Look for a spare. A partner, a roommate, or a family member may be able to bring one.
- Try the app. If your vehicle has connected services, you may be able to unlock it remotely in a minute or two.
- Look at the fob. A dead key fob battery is a common reason a car will not unlock. Most fobs hide a mechanical key blade, and the car can often be started by holding the fob against the start button; the manual shows where.
- Call your insurer or plan. Ask what is covered and which provider they will send. See the roadside plan comparison for what to look for.
Why a coat hanger is a bad idea
Homemade tools sometimes worked on older cars, but they can do real damage on a modern one. Door cavities contain wiring, side airbag sensors and window mechanisms, and a slim jim can bend or disconnect something that costs far more to fix than the lockout call. Prying the window or door frame can scratch paint and damage weather seals. Trained technicians use inflatable wedges and long-reach tools designed to avoid that harm.
How to hire a locksmith without getting burned
California regulates locksmiths through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Locksmith companies hold a license, and the technicians who work for them are registered, with background checks required. That means you can ask for a license number and verify it on the BSIS website.
- Get a total price on the phone, not just a service call fee. An unusually low advertised charge followed by a much higher bill on arrival is a classic complaint pattern.
- Ask for the company's legal name and whether the person arriving works for it. If the name on the van or the invoice differs from what you were told, be cautious.
- Look for ID and a license number when the technician arrives, before work starts.
- Do not pay in advance or in cash only. A card gives you a way to dispute a charge, and an itemized receipt shows what you paid for.
- Be wary of drilling. A technician who says the lock must be destroyed to open a standard car door may not know what they are doing; get a second opinion.
The same questions apply to tow operators, whose pricing and paperwork are discussed in how to choose a tow company.
When it is more than a lockout
If you have lost the only key, a lockout visit will not solve it. A locksmith can often cut and program a replacement on site for many vehicles, while some European and late-model cars require a dealer. If the car must be moved to the dealer without a key, it may be stuck in park, which usually calls for a flatbed or wheel dollies; see the flatbed and wheel-lift comparison. A dead battery can also make a car seem locked; the jump-start guide covers that problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I call first when I'm locked out?
Your roadside plan or auto insurer, if you have one, since the service may already be included. If not, a licensed locksmith or a tow operator who offers lockout service is the next option. If a child or animal is inside, call 911 first.
How much does a car lockout cost?
A reasonable range for a standard passenger car is roughly $50 to $200 depending on who you call, the time of day and the vehicle. Confirm the total price before work starts.
Will opening my car damage it?
A trained technician using inflatable wedges and long-reach tools should not damage the car. Damage usually comes from improvised tools such as coat hangers or forced entry through a window or door frame.
Do car locksmiths need a license in California?
Locksmith companies hold a license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and their employees register with it. You can ask for the license number and verify it with BSIS before work begins.
Can I open my car with my phone?
Many newer vehicles can be unlocked remotely through a manufacturer app or a connected-services account. Setting this up before you need it saves a call and a charge.