Locked Out? What To Do for Car, Home, or Business

Updated: 2026

Being locked out is stressful, but the steps are simple: stay safe, avoid damage, and give a locksmith the right information so you can get a clear quote and time window before anyone is dispatched.

Step 1 — Make sure you’re safe

Before anything else, make sure you’re not standing in traffic, on a blind curve, or in any situation that feels unsafe. If you’re on the side of the road, move away from traffic as much as possible.

Step 2 — Check for simple, non-damaging options

Ask yourself:

• • Does anyone nearby have a spare key?
• • Is there another door that might be unlocked?
• • For homes, is there a trusted neighbor, landlord, or property manager who can help?

If the answer is no—or trying would cause damage or risk—then it’s time to call or text a locksmith.

Step 3 — Avoid common mistakes

It’s tempting to “just try something,” but some quick attempts can lead to expensive repairs:

• • For cars: prying doors, wedging windows, or coat-hanger attempts can damage paint, weatherstripping, or wiring.
• • For homes: forcing doors or locks can crack frames and damage hardware.
• • For businesses: improvised entry can weaken security at exactly the wrong time.

Most of the time, having a locksmith handle the unlock is cheaper than repairing damage from DIY attempts.

Car lockouts: what helps the most

When you reach out about a car lockout, share:

• • Your ZIP code
• • Make, model, and year of the vehicle
• • Whether keys are locked inside, lost, or broken
• • Whether the vehicle is safely parked or on the roadside

This helps estimate difficulty, choose the right tools, and give you a more accurate arrival window.

Home & apartment lockouts

For residential lockouts, it helps to know:

• • Your ZIP code
• • Whether it’s a house, condo, or apartment
• • Whether any other doors or windows are accessible (without damage)
• • What kind of lock is on the main door, if you know it

A locksmith may also ask how you can confirm you live there—such as ID, lease, or a property manager who can vouch for you.

Business lockouts

For storefronts and offices, lockouts are often time-sensitive. It helps to share:

• • Business type and ZIP code
• • Your role (owner, manager, staff)
• • Whether you’re locked out before opening, during the day, or after hours
• • How many doors or locks are involved

Be ready to confirm you’re authorized to access the business—an owner or manager contact often helps.

What to expect from pricing

Most locksmiths use clear “starts at” pricing, with final quotes depending on:

• • Lock type and difficulty
• • Time of day (business hours vs after-hours)
• • Location and travel distance

You should always get a clear price range and an estimated arrival window before deciding whether to move forward.

What to send for the fastest help

A simple text that covers the basics is often the fastest way to get an answer:

ZIP + auto/home/business + “keys locked in” or “lost keys” + safely parked or not

Example: 32805 / home lockout / keys inside / single-family home