Locked Keys in Car: Who to Call for the Cheapest Option

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

> **Quick Answer:** Check your insurance app or glove box card first. Many auto insurance policies include free lockout service under roadside assistance. AAA members get it free. If you have neither, a locksmith runs $50-$100 and is usually cheaper than a tow truck. Calling 911 is free but only appropriate if a child or pet is trapped inside.

## What To Do

1. **Check your insurance policy right now.** Pull up your insurer's app or call the number on your insurance card. Ask specifically about lockout or roadside assistance coverage. GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, and Farmers all offer it as an add-on. If you have it, the service call is free or nearly free. [Check whether your insurance covers roadside calls and what limits apply](/progressive-roadside-assistance-covers-how-much-towing/) before you pay anyone out of pocket.

2. **Call AAA if you're a member.** Lockout service is included in all AAA membership tiers. Response time varies by location, but this is your cheapest call if you're already a member. If you're not a member, you can technically join on the spot, but same-day lockout on a new membership is sometimes restricted depending on the club.

3. **Try a local locksmith before calling a tow truck.** Search "auto locksmith near me" and call two or three for a quote. A locksmith who specializes in cars will typically open your door for $50-$100 and can be there faster than a tow truck in most areas. Tow truck drivers can sometimes do a slim-jim unlock, but they don't always carry the right tools and may charge more.

4. **Check if your credit card covers it.** Some Visa Signature, Mastercard World, and American Express cards include roadside assistance. Call the number on the back of your card and ask. This is free money you might already have. [Credit card roadside assistance programs vary widely in what they actually cover](/towing-cost-credit-card-roadside-assistance-covers/), so confirm before you assume.

5. **Call a tow company as a last resort for lockout.** Most tow companies offer unlock service, but it is often more expensive than a locksmith and the wait can be longer. If your car also needs to go somewhere, bundling the unlock and tow with one company can save you the second service call.

6. **Call 911 only if there is immediate danger.** If a child, elderly person, or pet is locked inside on a hot day, call 911 immediately. Police and fire departments carry slim-jim tools and will respond fast. This is not the right call just because you are frustrated and late.

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![mechanic car repair](/images/locked-keys-in-car-who-to-call-cheapest-option/mid.jpg)
*Photo: Pexels*

## What It Might Cost

| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Insurance roadside assistance | Free (if you have coverage) |
| AAA membership lockout | Free (membership ~$60-$130/yr) |
| Credit card roadside assistance | Free (if included in your card) |
| Local locksmith | $50-$100 |
| Tow truck unlock service | $75-$150 |
| Dealership locksmith | $100-$200+ |

Prices vary by city and time of day. After-hours and weekend calls will cost more from a locksmith or tow company.

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![tow truck road](/images/locked-keys-in-car-who-to-call-cheapest-option/bottom.jpg)
*Photo: Pexels*

## Stay Safe

- If you are in an unsafe location, a dark parking lot, a highway shoulder, or a high-crime area, stay near a well-lit, visible spot while you wait. Do not sit in an alley or walk far from your car at night.
- In summer heat, a car interior can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes. If a person or animal is trapped inside, do not wait on a locksmith. Call 911.
- Do not let a stranger offer to "help" open your car. Slim-jim tools in untrained hands can damage door seals, weather stripping, and power window mechanisms.
- If your engine is running with keys inside, tell the service provider when you call. Some operators have tools designed for this situation. See specific guidance on [car key locked inside with engine running](/car-key-locked-inside-engine-running-towing-cost/) for cost details and next steps.
- Keep a screenshot or photo of your insurance card and roadside assistance number in your phone. When you are locked out, you cannot access your glove box.

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Locked Keys in Car on Tow With The Flow

Locked Keys in Car: Who to Call for the Cheapest Option
