> **Quick Answer:** Roadside assistance is almost always cheaper for a lockout. If you have AAA, your insurer's roadside add-on, or a credit card with roadside benefits, a lockout call costs you nothing or a small dispatch fee. A standalone locksmith runs $75 to $150 for a standard lockout, and more on nights and weekends. Use what you already pay for before you open your wallet.
## Which One Actually Costs Less for a Car Lockout?
Roadside assistance wins on price in nearly every scenario, because the real cost to you depends on what you already have. If you carry AAA Classic membership, lockout service is included with no per-call charge. If your insurer added roadside coverage to your policy, a lockout typically triggers a small co-pay of $0 to $50. A locksmith called directly from Google will quote you $75 to $150 for a basic slim-jim or manual unlock on most domestic cars, and that number climbs to $125 to $200 after 9 p.m. or on Sundays.
The comparison only flips if you have no roadside coverage at all. Then a locksmith is your only practical option, and you pay full retail.
## What If I Have Roadside Assistance Through My Insurance?
Check your policy before you call anyone. Many drivers pay for roadside assistance through their auto insurer and forget it is there. State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, USAA, and Liberty Mutual all offer roadside add-ons that cover lockouts. The out-of-pocket cost is typically a dispatch fee, or sometimes nothing. If you are unsure what your policy covers, [understanding what roadside assistance covers through insurance](/roadside-assistance-worth-it-if-you-have-insurance-already/) can save you from paying out of pocket unnecessarily.
One catch: some policies limit the number of roadside calls per year. Using a lockout call on a minor inconvenience is still worth it, but know that a tow later in the year might come out of the same bucket.
## When Does Calling a Locksmith Make More Sense?
Call a locksmith directly if you have no roadside membership, no insurance add-on, and no credit card roadside benefit. In that case, a locksmith is the only option, so comparison shopping is pointless. Just call one and confirm the total price before they drive out. Ask specifically: is the quoted price the total, including service fee and labor, or just the base rate? Locksmiths who quote $35 over the phone and bill $150 on arrival are a real problem.
A locksmith also makes sense if your car uses a transponder key, a proximity fob, or a push-button start system. Some roadside services will unlock the door but cannot help if the key fob battery is dead and the car will not recognize it. A locksmith with automotive experience can handle that situation where a tow truck driver cannot.
## Does AAA Actually Cover Lockouts for Free?
Yes. All three AAA membership tiers (Classic, Plus, and Premier) include lockout service at no per-call charge, as long as you have not burned through your annual service call limit. Classic members get four calls per year total across all services. If a technician cannot open the door, AAA will cover a tow to a dealership instead.
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*Photo: Pexels*
f you are weighing whether a AAA membership makes financial sense overall, [comparing AAA membership cost to paying out of pocket for a tow](/how-much-does-aaa-membership-cost-compared-to-paying-for-tow/) lays out the real numbers. A single avoided locksmith visit gets you halfway to breaking even on a Classic membership.
## What Should I Do Right Now While I Am Standing Outside My Car?
Start by checking every door and the trunk before calling anyone. One unlocked door is more common than people admit, especially on older vehicles where the lock actuator on one door has failed. Also check if your vehicle has a keypad entry on the door jamb (common on Ford F-Series trucks and several Lincolns) or a mechanical key hidden inside the fob itself.
If you are at a highway rest stop or a similar exposed location, your first call should still be to your roadside provider, not a random locksmith. If you are in an unfamiliar area or feel unsafe, call 911 first and explain the situation. Officers can stay with you while you wait, and in some states patrol units carry slim-jim tools.
For the specific situation of being stranded at a highway rest stop, [this guide on handling a lockout at a highway rest stop](/locked-keys-in-car-highway-rest-stop-what-to-do/) covers your safety steps in detail.
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*Photo: Pexels*
## Common Questions
**Q: How much does a locksmith charge to unlock a car?**
A: Most locksmiths charge $75 to $150 for a standard car lockout during business hours. After-hours, weekends, and holidays typically push that to $125 to $200 or more. Always confirm the total price before they roll.
**Q: Will my car insurance pay for a locksmith if I lock my keys inside?**
A: Only if you have roadside assistance added to your policy. Standard liability or comprehensive coverage does not include lockouts. Check your declarations page or call your insurer's app before assuming you are covered.
**Q: Can a locksmith make a new car key on the spot?**
A: For older vehicles with a simple cut key, yes. For modern cars with transponder chips or push-button start systems, most mobile locksmiths cannot program a new key on-site. You would need a dealership or a specialized automotive locksmith with programming equipment.
**Q: Is it faster to call roadside assistance or a locksmith for a lockout?**
A: It depends on your location and the time of day. In a metro area, both can arrive in 30 to 60 minutes. In a rural area, a local locksmith may actually be faster than your roadside provider's contracted dispatch. Call both simultaneously if you are in a hurry and cancel whichever arrives second.
**Q: What if a locksmith damages my door or lock trying to get in?**
A: A reputable locksmith carries liability insurance that covers incidental damage. Get their name, company, and insurance information before they start. If damage occurs and they refuse to cover it, you can file a complaint with your state's contractor licensing board.
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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/locked-keys-in-car-roadside-assistance-or-locksmith-which-is-cheaper/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Locked Keys in Car: Roadside Assistance or Locksmith — Which Is Cheaper?
Photo: Pexels