5 Options if You Get Locked Out of Your Car

5 Options if You Get Locked Out of Your Car

Oh no! You have that moment of dread as you close your car door and realize that your keys or key fob are resting comfortably in the center console. What should you do?

First: take a breath. Second: stop tugging the door handle like it might suddenly feel sorry for you. Third: remember—you actually have options. Being locked out of your car is annoying, inconvenient, and mildly humiliating, but it’s rarely the end of the world. Here are five realistic options to get you back inside.

1. Check All the Doors (Yes, All of Them)

This sounds obvious, which is why people skip it—and regret it later. Before calling for help, check every door, including the trunk or hatch. You might be shocked how often one door is unlocked while the others are smugly secure. It's like the vehicle is testing you skills as an owner.

2. Use Technology

Many newer vehicles come with remote access apps that allow you to unlock your car from your phone. If your phone is not locked in the car (a small but important detail), this could save the day. Some apps allow you to unlock doors remotely, such as if your spouse is sitting comfortably at home, waiting for your urgent request to to unlock the vehicle from their phone. Other apps are set-up to help you to contact roadside assistance directly.

If you don’t have the app set up yet, consider this your reminder for next time—when you’re calm, indoors, and not glaring at your car.

3. Use Your Spare Key

If you have a spare key—congratulations, you planned ahead. Now comes the question: where is it? Did you plan ahead and leave it with a spouse, friend, or family member? Is it at home, perhaps on a hook somewhere? If the spare is accessible and help is close by, this is often the fastest and cheapest solution. If the spare is three states away, move on to other options.

4. Call A Roadside Assistance Service

Many drivers have roadside assistance available through one of the following?

1. 1. Auto insurance
   2. AAA
   3. Vehicle manufacturer (for recently purchased new vehicles)
   4. As a credit card benefit

A trained technician can unlock your car without damage, usually within 30–60 minutes. 

It is good to check into this in advance and know your options and which phone numbers to call. Many drivers are paying for roadside assistance even though they rarely if ever use it. Take advantage of what you paid for!

5. Call a Professional Locksmith

This is probably everyone's least favorite option, as it will cost more than roadside assistance. A licensed automotive locksmith can unlock vehicles safely, cut replacement keyus, and reprogram key fobs for many vehicle models.

In the aftermath of an annoying situation

Once you’re back in your car and your blood pressure returns to normal, you may want to write a reminder to do yourself one or more favors:

1. Get a spare key.
2. Set up your vehicle’s mobile app.
3. Know your roadside assistance number.

Unfortunately, lockouts don’t happen when you’re relaxed at home. They happen when you’re late, hungry, and questioning your life choices.

At NHSA, our, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!