Few things ruin a day like seeing your keys on the seat with every door locked. In Raleigh it tends to happen in the worst places: a downtown parking deck, a crowded lot at North Hills or Crabtree Valley, a trailhead at Lake Johnson. The good news is that most car lockouts take a technician only a few minutes once they are standing next to the vehicle.
Do these first
- Check that everyone is safe. If a child or pet is inside, or it is very hot, call 911 first. Do not wait for a locksmith.
- Try every door and the trunk. A rear door or hatch is sometimes unlocked.
- Look for a spare. A spare key at home, with a family member or in a lockbox can be faster than any service call.
- Check your phone. Many newer cars can be unlocked from the manufacturer app, and some insurance and roadside plans include lockout help.
- Still stuck? Call a locksmith and tell them exactly where you are.
What not to do
- Do not force a coat hanger, wedge or screwdriver into the door. Door frames hold wiring, side-airbag parts and weatherstripping that are easy to damage.
- Do not break a window unless someone is in danger. Replacing glass costs far more than a lockout call.
- Do not hand over keys or card details to anyone who cannot give you a total price up front. See how to hire a locksmith safely.
What to tell the locksmith
- Make, model and year of the car
- Exactly where it is parked: street address, deck level or lot
- Whether the keys are inside, in the trunk, or lost
- Whether the engine is running, and whether you have your ID and registration or insurance card with you
What happens when we arrive
Expect to be asked to show that the car is yours, usually with your ID and the registration or insurance card. Any honest locksmith will ask. The technician then opens the door with non-destructive tools, with no drilling and no broken glass, and you can check that your keys are inside and working before you leave.
Locked out in Raleigh or Wake County right now? We are mobile and answer 24 hours a day.
Questions we hear
Will opening my car damage it?
Not when it is done with tools made for cars. That is also why it is better not to try a coat hanger or wedge first, which can scratch paint or damage wiring and weatherstripping.
How long does it take?
Once the technician is at your car, a lockout usually takes only a few minutes. Travel time depends on where you are in Raleigh and how busy the day is, and we give you an arrival estimate when you call.
What if my keys are in the trunk?
Tell us on the phone. Many cars have a way into the trunk once a door is open, such as a release inside the cabin, and the technician can come prepared.
What if I lost the key rather than locked it inside?
That is a different job. See our guide on what to do when you have lost every car key.
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Car Lockout ServiceLost Car KeysAutomotive LocksmithCar Key and Key Fob ProgrammingLocksmith or Dealership for Car KeysHow to Hire a Locksmith Safely
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