First: is anyone inside the car?
If a child, a pet or anyone who can’t get out is locked inside, especially on a warm day, call 911 first. Then call us.
Keys locked in the car? Do this first
- Try every door, the trunk and the tailgate. One of them is sometimes still unlocked
- Think about a spare key at home, and whether someone nearby could bring it
- Stay somewhere safe and note the exact location: address, landmark, garage level and spot
- Call us with your year, make and model, or send a quote request
Skip the coat hanger
A modern car door holds airbag wiring, window mechanisms and lock rods. Forcing a wire through the weather stripping or prying the frame can leave you with a repair bill bigger than the lockout, and breaking a window is the most expensive way back in. Opening a car properly takes the right tools and care, which is the job we come to do.
Common car lockouts
Keys locked inside the car
The classic: keys on the seat, in a bag on the floor or still in the ignition. Tell us where you can see them.
Keys locked in the trunk
Groceries in, keys down, lid shut. Depending on the car, the trunk may open from inside the cabin once a door is open.
Smart key locked in the car
Many cars with push-button start refuse to lock with the smart key inside, but not all of them, and a weak fob battery can confuse the car. If the fob itself is the problem, see key fobs and smart keys.
Locked out of a Tesla
Phone dead, phone or key card locked inside? If you can, sign in to the Tesla app on another phone first; it can often unlock the car remotely. If that doesn’t work, call us: we open locked Tesla vehicles. This is a lockout service only. We don’t make, program or replace Tesla keys, key cards or phone keys.
Engine running, doors locked
It happens on cold mornings. Let us know when you call, so we know the car is running.
Keys lost, not locked in
If the keys are gone, opening the door won’t get you home. Start with our lost car keys guide. If your key broke off in the lock or the ignition, see broken keys.
What to have ready
- Your car’s year, make and model. It tells us which approach fits your car.
- The exact location. In a garage, add the level, the spot number and any gate details.
- Proof of ownership. A photo ID and the registration or title. We check ownership before opening a car.
Car lockouts anywhere in Kirkland
Home driveways, office lots, grocery store parking and underground garages, from Juanita and Totem Lake to Houghton and Bridle Trails. See our Kirkland service area for tips that make the visit quicker. Once you’re back in, a spare key is the easiest way to make the next lockout a non-event.