> **Quick Answer:** Call a locksmith or your roadside assistance provider first. A locksmith can reach you in 20 to 45 minutes and open the car without damage. If you have AAA, GEICO, State Farm, or Progressive roadside assistance, a lockout is almost always covered at no extra cost. Do not break a window unless a person or pet is trapped inside in dangerous heat.
## Who Do I Call First When My Keys Are Locked in a Running Car?
Call your roadside assistance provider before anyone else. If you have it through your insurer, a manufacturer program, or AAA, a lockout call is a standard covered service and costs you nothing out of pocket. If you do not have roadside assistance, call a local locksmith directly. They are faster and cheaper than a dealership for this job, and most carry slim jim tools and air wedge kits that open modern vehicles without scratching the door.
Do not call 911 unless a child, pet, or vulnerable person is inside the vehicle. Police in most jurisdictions will respond, but they are not obligated to unlock your car and will usually tell you to call a locksmith anyway.
## Is It Actually Dangerous to Leave a Car Running While Locked Out?
In most situations, no, not immediately. The car will run until it runs out of fuel, which could be hours depending on your tank level. The real risks are two: overheating if the car is sitting in direct sun with the AC off, and theft if you are in a high-traffic area. If it is a hot day and you have a pet inside, that changes everything. A dog can reach a dangerous body temperature in under 15 minutes in a closed car on a warm afternoon. In that case, break the window on the side away from the animal, or flag down help and call 911 immediately.
For everyone else, stay calm. The car is not going anywhere on its own.
## How Much Does It Cost to Get Unlocked Without Roadside Assistance?
A locksmith lockout call runs between $50 and $150 in most metro areas during business hours. After midnight or on holidays, expect $100 to $200. Most locksmiths charge a service call fee plus a labor fee, so ask for both numbers when you call. If you use your roadside assistance, you typically pay nothing, or at most a small dispatch fee depending on your plan.
Before you pay out of pocket, check these in order: your auto insurance app, your car manufacturer's app (Ford Pass, MyChevrolet, and BMW Connected all have remote unlock features on newer models), and your credit card benefits. Several Visa and Mastercard products include roadside assistance that covers lockouts. It takes two minutes to check and could save you $100. For a side-by-side cost breakdown, [Locked Keys in Car: Roadside Assistance or Locksmith — Which Is Cheaper?](/locked-keys-in-car-roadside-assistance-or-locksmith-which-is-cheaper/) walks through the numbers in detail.
## What If I'm Stuck Somewhere Remote or at a Highway Rest Stop?
A locksmith can still reach you, it just may take longer. If you are at a highway rest stop, call a locksmith in the nearest town along that highway corridor and give them the mile marker or exit number closest to you. Many rest stops also have call boxes or staff who can help you locate a local service. If you have no phone signal, [How to Signal
*Photo: Pexels*
for Help If Your Car Breaks Down and You Have No Phone](/how-to-signal-for-help-car-breaks-down-no-phone/) covers practical options for getting someone to stop and assist.
If your roadside assistance has a mobile app, use it. GPS dispatch through an app is faster and more accurate than reading your location over the phone. AAA's app, for example, drops a pin at your location automatically.
For situations specifically at highway rest stops, [Locked Keys in Car at a Highway Rest Stop: What to Do Right Now](/locked-keys-in-car-highway-rest-stop-what-to-do/) has a step-by-step breakdown worth bookmarking.
## Should I Try to Unlock It Myself?
Only if you have the right tool and know what you are doing. Shoving a coat hanger into a modern door frame almost always scratches the weather stripping and can damage the linkage rod that connects the lock mechanism. On vehicles built after roughly 2010, the lock rods are plastic and bend easily. You can buy a professional air wedge and long-reach tool kit for around $30 online, but if you do not already have one in your hand right now, it is not a practical option.
If you have a spare key at home and someone who can bring it to you in a reasonable amount of time, that is your cheapest option. Otherwise, call the locksmith and let them handle it. They will be faster than you think, and they will not scratch your door.
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*Photo: Pexels*
## Common Questions
**Q: Will the car run out of gas while I wait for the locksmith?**
A: Possibly, if the tank is low and the wait is long. A car idling burns roughly 0.2 to 0.5 gallons per hour depending on engine size and AC load. If your tank is near empty and the wait is over an hour, mention it when you call so the locksmith can prioritize.
**Q: Can a locksmith open any car, including newer push-button start models?**
A: Yes. The door lock mechanism is mechanical and separate from the ignition system. A locksmith can open the door on any production vehicle regardless of whether it has a key fob, push-button start, or traditional ignition.
**Q: Does roadside assistance through my car insurance cover lockouts?**
A: Most roadside assistance add-ons do cover lockouts, but check your specific plan. GEICO, State Farm, and Progressive all include lockout service as a standard covered event. The service call is usually free or capped at a low reimbursement limit.
**Q: What if there's a child locked in the car?**
A: Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for a locksmith. If the child is showing signs of heat distress and help is not arriving fast enough, break the window on the opposite side from the child, cover your arm, and use a headrest post or a heavy object aimed at a corner of the glass.
**Q: Can I unlock my car remotely using an app if the engine is running?**
A: Yes, if your vehicle is 2015 or newer and you set up the manufacturer's connected services app before this happened. Ford Pass, MyChevrolet, Hyundai BlueLink, and several others allow remote door unlock from your phone. If you never activated the app, it will not work now, but it is worth trying.
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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/locked-keys-in-car-with-engine-running-who-to-call/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Locked Keys in Car With Engine Running: Who to Call Right Now
Photo: Pexels