Keys Locked in the Car? We Come to You
Keys on the seat, in the trunk, or in the ignition with the engine running: we hear all of them. Send us the year, make and model plus where you are parked, and we will tell you what it costs and when we will be there.
First: is anyone inside?
If a child or a pet is locked in a car, especially in the sun, call 911 before you call us. Cars in Los Angeles heat up fast, even on a mild afternoon. Emergency services can be there sooner than any locksmith and they do not need to check paperwork first.
If the car is empty and safe, take a breath. This is one of the most common calls we get and it is usually quick.
What to tell us
The year, make and model matter most, because cars differ more than house locks do. Tell us where the keys are, if you know: visible on the seat, in the trunk, or not in the car at all. That last one is a different job. If the keys are lost rather than locked in, we can cut and program a new key or fob on site for most makes, so you are not left waiting for a tow to the dealer.
Send the exact location, too. A level of a parking structure, a store entrance, a cross street. Parking garages and beach lots can be hard to find at night, and a pin from your phone helps a lot.
Proof it is your car
Once the door is open the tech will ask to see the registration or title, and your ID. If the paperwork is in the glove box, that is fine, it gets checked right there. A rental car needs the rental agreement in your name. A borrowed car means the owner should be on the phone. This is not red tape for its own sake. It is the reason a stranger cannot call us to open your car.
Newer cars and push-button starts
Push-button cars sometimes lock with the fob inside, often because the fob battery is weak or the car did not detect it. Electric cars and some newer models have their own quirks. Mention it when you text and we will say plainly if your model is one we handle on site. If it is not, we will tell you that up front instead of sending someone who cannot help. And if the fob battery is the reason, we can usually swap it while we are there.
Signs it is more than a locked door
Common questions
Can you open my car without scratching it?
That is the goal on every car, and with the right tools it is the normal result. The tech will tell you before starting if your model has anything that makes damage more likely, and nothing happens until you agree.
My keys are lost, not locked inside. What now?
Then you need entry plus a new key. For most makes we can cut and program a key or fob on site, so the car can be driven away the same visit. Text us the year, make, model and VIN if you have it, and we will confirm.
Do you open cars on the freeway shoulder?
We will not work on an active freeway shoulder, because it is not safe for you or the tech. If you are stuck there, call CHP or your roadside service to get the car to a safe spot, then text us. Surface streets and lots are fine.
Is this covered by my roadside plan?
Some plans reimburse a locksmith, some only send their own provider. Check your plan first if it matters to you. We give you a written receipt that shows the job, the vehicle and the location, which is what most reimbursements ask for.