There is a special kind of silence after a car door closes and you realize the keys are on the seat. You check the other doors anyway. All of them. Twice. Still locked.
Welcome to the club. It has a lot of members. Here is what to do first, what not to try and how to get back in without paying for a new window.
Short answer: If you lock your keys in the car, first make sure no child or pet is inside. If one is, call 911. Then check every door and the trunk, look for a spare key or your car’s remote unlock app, and if that fails, call a professional lockout service. Skip the coat hanger, which can damage wiring, locks and weather seals.
First: Is Anyone Inside?
If a child or pet is locked in the car, call 911 right away, especially on a warm Georgia day. A closed car can heat up dangerously fast, even when it does not feel that hot outside. Do not wait for a lockout service.
NHTSA explains how quickly a parked car heats up in its child heatstroke safety guide.
Check These Before You Call
- Try every door, the trunk and the hatch. One of them may be unlocked.
- Is there a spare key at home, or someone who can bring it?
- Does your car have a connected app or service that can unlock it remotely?
- Does your insurance or roadside plan include lockout help?
We would rather you find the spare than pay us. Okay, mostly.
DIY Tricks That Can Cost More Than a Lockout
The internet is full of clever unlocking hacks. Most of them were invented before cars had side airbags, power locks and a nest of wiring inside every door.
- Coat hangers: can scratch paint, tear weather seals and snag the wiring inside the door.
- Slim jims: without training, it is easy to disconnect lock rods or damage airbag wiring.
- Wedging the door open: can bend the frame, and then it whistles at highway speed forever.
- Breaking a window: a last resort for true emergencies. It is expensive, messy and leaves the car unsecured.
A new window or door repair usually costs far more than a professional lockout.
How Professional Lockout Service Works
- Call (470) 227-8963 with your location and vehicle.
- We quote the price first. Most lockouts cost $65 to $95.
- We check your ID to confirm the car is yours.
- We use professional tools to open the door without damage.
- You are back in. Keys go in your pocket this time.
See our car lockout service for details.
Locked Out or Lost Keys?
They sound similar, but they need different help:
| Problem | Who can help |
|---|---|
| Keys locked inside the car | A lockout service opens the door |
| Keys lost completely | A dealer or automotive locksmith makes a new key, and we can tow the car there if needed |
| Key fob battery died | Many fobs hide a physical key inside. Your manual shows how to use it |
| Child or pet locked inside | Call 911 immediately |
How to Avoid the Next Lockout
- Keep a spare key with someone you trust nearby.
- Make it a habit: keys in hand before the door shuts. It feels silly until it saves your afternoon.
- Replace a weak key fob battery before it quits completely.
- Save a lockout number in your phone now, while you are calm and not standing in a parking lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I lock my keys in the car?
Make sure no child or pet is inside. If one is, call 911. Then check every door and the trunk, look for a spare key or a remote unlock app, and call a lockout service if needed.
Will a lockout service damage my car?
A professional lockout uses tools designed to open the door without damage. DIY methods like coat hangers are much more likely to scratch paint, tear seals or damage wiring.
How much does a car lockout cost in Canton, GA?
Our lockout service usually costs $65 to $95, confirmed before we dispatch.
Do I need to prove the car is mine?
Yes. We check ID before opening any vehicle. It protects you as much as it protects us.
What if I lost my keys completely?
Then you need a dealer or automotive locksmith to make a new key. If the car has to go to them, we can tow it there.
Need Help in Canton, GA?
Time Strike Towing & Roadside provides 24/7 car lockout service across Canton and the surrounding Cherokee County area, 24 hours a day. We give you an honest quote before we dispatch.
Related services: Roadside Assistance and Jump Start Service. See all towing and roadside services or our service areas.