Keys Locked in the Car: What to Do
By Mega Lock And Key · MD Locksmith License #394 ·
If your keys are locked 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, and call a licensed locksmith, who opens most cars without damage to the door, window, or trim.
First: is anyone inside?
If a child or pet is locked in the car, call 911 now. Heat and cold build up fast in a closed car.
Check before you call
- Try every door, the trunk, and the rear hatch.
- Think of a spare key at home or with family.
- Check whether your car's app or roadside plan can unlock the car remotely.
What not to try
| Trick | Risk |
|---|---|
| Coat hanger in the window | Scratched glass, torn weatherstrip, damaged wiring |
| Prying the door frame | Bent frame and a door that leaks or whistles |
| Breaking a window | Costly glass and an open car until it is repaired |
What a locksmith does
We check ID and proof of ownership (once the car is open, if the papers are inside), then open the car with tools made for the job. If the key is lost rather than locked inside, we can cut and program a new one at the same visit. See car lockout service in Baltimore.