Locked Keys in Car? Here’s What To Do If You Don’t Have a Spare Key

Stranded with your keys locked in the car? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Whether it happens at a gas station, in your driveway, or on a busy street in Illinois, a car lockout can be frustrating and even dangerous. Fortunately, there are safe, effective solutions to get back inside without causing damage.

At AR Sparks Heavy Towing, we help hundreds of drivers each year recover from accidental lockouts quickly and safely. Below, we share expert guidance, DIY methods, and emergency tips so you can handle the situation confidently.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Evaluate the Situation

The first thing you need to do is remain calm. Panic can cloud your judgment, lead to hasty decisions, or even result in damage to your vehicle. Ask yourself:

• Are all doors truly locked? Sometimes, a single door or trunk may remain open.
• Is anyone inside the car—like a child or pet—that may be in distress?
• Are you in a safe location? If you’re stuck on the side of the road, find a safe place away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
• Is your phone charged and working? You’ll need it to call for help or use car apps.

⚠️ Emergency? Call 911 Immediately. If a child or pet is locked inside and the temperature is too hot or cold—or if there’s a threat to health—contact emergency services immediately. They will respond quickly and can use specialized tools to gain entry.

If it’s not an emergency, take a deep breath and continue with the next steps.

Step 2: Check Every Possible Entry

This might sound obvious, but in stressful moments, it’s easy to overlook basic steps:

• Try every single door, including the trunk and hatch. In many cases, one door doesn’t lock fully, especially on older cars.
• Check to see if any windows are slightly open. Even a small gap may allow access with the right tool or technique.
• For vehicles with fold-down back seats accessible through the trunk, open the trunk and try to access the cabin from there.

Don’t forget to gently tug each door handle to double-check. If one is slightly ajar, you’re in luck.

Step 3: Use Your Car’s Mobile App (If Available)

Modern vehicles often come with manufacturer-supported remote apps that let you unlock your car directly from your smartphone. If your vehicle supports this feature and you’ve already registered:

Common Vehicle Apps Include:

• FordPass
• Chevrolet MyLink / OnStar
• Hyundai Bluelink
• Toyota Connected Services
• Tesla App

Log in using your credentials and select the “unlock” option. This is often the quickest and most damage-free way to resolve a lockout.

➡️ Note: You must be pre-registered, and your phone must have internet access. If you’re unsure how to set this up, consult your car manual or contact the dealership.

Step 4: Safe DIY Methods (Only If You’re Confident)

If you don’t have app access and can’t reach help immediately, you might consider trying do-it-yourself methods. These techniques only work in specific scenarios, mostly on older vehicles with manual locks. Newer cars typically have reinforced anti-theft mechanisms and delicate electronics that can be easily damaged.

1. Shoelace or String Loop Method

For vehicles with upright lock posts, tie a loop in the middle of a shoelace, slide it into the door gap, maneuver the loop over the lock post, and pull up. This technique takes patience and dexterity but can work in a pinch.

2. Wire Hanger (Classic Coat Hanger Trick)

Best for horizontal lock buttons. Straighten a wire hanger and slide it between the window and weather stripping to manually pull or push the lock. Be gentle to avoid scratching or bending interior components.

3. Inflatable Wedge and Long-Reach Tool

This professional-grade method involves sliding an inflatable wedge into the door frame to create a gap, then inserting a long-reach tool to press the unlock button. These kits are available online, but they require caution and a gentle hand.

4. Slim Jim Tool

The Slim Jim slides between the window and weather strip to hook the lock rods. While effective on older cars, it can seriously damage newer vehicles, including airbag wiring, sensors, and interior trim.

⚠️ Important: Only attempt these methods if you understand the risks and have previous experience. If not, skip to professional help.

Step 5: Call for Professional Lockout Help

If DIY methods don’t work—or you want to avoid risking damage—it’s time to bring in the pros. Here’s how to choose the best option based on your situation.

Option 1: Roadside Assistance

Programs your car insurance, or car dealership plans often include lockout coverage. These providers will send a trained technician to unlock your vehicle free of charge or for a small service fee.

Option 2: Auto Locksmith

A professional auto locksmith can unlock virtually any vehicle, cut and program new keys, and fix malfunctioning lock systems. They’re equipped with non-damaging tools and know how to work around advanced security systems.

Option 3: Call AR Sparks Heavy Towing

We offer 24/7 lockout services across Illinois, with certified, ICC-licensed technicians and the latest tools. Whether your keys are locked inside, lost, or broken, our team will unlock your vehicle safely and quickly.

📞 Call Now: [Insert Phone Number]

Option 4: Police or Emergency Services

If someone is in immediate danger (like a child or pet), call 911. Police will prioritize the call. However, they typically won’t respond to non-emergency lockouts.

How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Car?

Service Type	Average Cost
Roadside Assistance	Free (with membership)
Auto Locksmith	$50–$150
Towing Company Lockout	$60–$120
Emergency After-Hours Fee	Additional $25–$50

💡 Pro Tip: Check your insurance policy or credit card benefits—many cover lockout services under roadside assistance.

What NOT To Do During a Car Lockout

When you’re stressed, it’s tempting to take drastic action. Resist these common mistakes:

• Don’t break a window unless it’s a life-threatening emergency. Replacing glass can cost hundreds and lead to injury.
• Avoid using force to pry doors open or jam foreign objects into keyholes.
• Don’t trust unverified services found online. Scammers often overcharge or use destructive methods.

Always work with licensed, insured, and reputable service providers.

What If the Door Lock Is Broken?

Sometimes, the issue isn’t that the keys are locked inside—it’s that your car door lock is malfunctioning. Signs of this include:

• Remote not unlocking the door, but the key works
• Manual key doesn’t turn or gets stuck
• Lock actuator makes noise but doesn’t engage

In this case, contact a professional for door lock repair. AR Sparks Heavy Towing can help diagnose if the problem lies in the lock cylinder, actuator, key fob, or electrical system—and recommend repairs or replacements.

How to Prevent Future Lockouts

Preventing a lockout is easier (and cheaper) than fixing one. Here are several ways to stay ahead:

Keep a Spare Key

• Leave a spare key with a friend or family member
• Keep one hidden in a secure magnetic box underneath your car
• Some wallets or phone cases have compartments for emergency keys

Register Your Car’s App

• Set up your car’s remote app to unlock doors, start the engine, and track location.
• Keep login credentials saved and updated.

Sign Up for Roadside Assistance

• Join AAA, add roadside coverage to your insurance, or opt in through your vehicle’s warranty.

Use a Bluetooth Key Tracker

• Attach a device like Tile or AirTag to your key ring to quickly locate misplaced keys via GPS.

Frequently Asked Questions