A car lockout is one of the most common locksmith calls. The key ends up on the seat, in the ignition, or in the trunk, and the doors lock. Call (205) 994-8014 with the year, make, and model, and tell us where the vehicle is parked.
Car lockouts we handle
- Keys locked inside the car
- A fob locked in the trunk
- Doors locked with the engine running
- A trunk that will not open
- Trucks, vans, and SUVs as well as cars
How a car door is opened
A locked car can usually be opened without a key. A thin air wedge makes a small gap at the top of the door, and a long-reach tool presses the unlock button or pulls the handle from inside. Some locks are picked instead. The goal is to get you in without harming the door, the paint, or the wiring.
Keys locked in the trunk
Many cars have a trunk release inside the cabin or a rear seat that folds down. Once a door is open, the trunk can often be reached from inside. If your vehicle has neither, tell us when you call.
While you wait
- Stay with the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
- Skip the coat hanger. It can bend the parts inside the door, damage wiring, and scratch the paint.
- If a child or a pet is inside, call 911.
More tips are in the guide Locked out of your car? What to do.
If there is no key to get back, see car key replacement. If a key broke off in the door or the ignition, see broken key extraction.
Car lockouts around Oneonta, AL
Locked out at home, at work, or in a parking lot? We come to the vehicle around Oneonta, AL, and in Susan Moore, Snead, and Altoona. Every town is listed on the towns we cover page.
Common questions
Can you unlock a car with the engine running?
Yes. Tell us the engine is running when you call, and stay near the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
Do I need a tow for a car lockout?
No. A lockout is handled where the vehicle is parked.
What if the key is lost, not locked inside?
Then you need a new key rather than a lockout. We cut and program car keys on-site for many makes and models, even when every key is lost.