Reviewed by the Master Locksmith team · Updated November 11, 2026
If a child or a pet is locked in the car, call 911 first.
Your car
The make, model and year tell us how the doors lock and which entry tools to bring. Some cars add steps: doors that double-lock, an alarm that goes off easily, or frameless windows that need extra care. We plan the approach around your car before the technician sets out.
Where the keys are
- In the cabin. The usual lockout: the technician opens a door with automotive entry tools.
- In the trunk. Many cars disable the trunk release once the car is locked, so we may open a door first, then use the inside release or fold the seats. See trunk lockout.
- Not in the car at all. If the keys are lost or stolen, opening the door won’t get you driving. A new key is a separate job, quoted on the same call: what affects the cost of a car key replacement.
Where the car is parked
A street, a driveway, a parking garage or a gated lot each change how we reach the car. Tell us the exact spot, down to the garage level and space, and whether the technician needs a gate code or a pass.
Anything else we find
Sometimes the lockout has a cause: a broken key in the door lock, or a lock that stopped responding. We explain it and give you the price before doing anything about it.
How we quote
Call (301) 888-5152 with the make, model and year, where the keys are, and where the car is parked. You get the quote on the call. The technician checks your government-issued photo ID before opening the car (what ID we ask for). See car lockout for how a visit works.
Questions
Do you open the car with the gentlest method that works?
Yes. Non-destructive entry with proper automotive tools is always the first approach.
Why do you ask for ID?
To make sure we open the car for the person it belongs to. It protects you too.
Can you also make a spare key while you’re there?
For many cars, yes, if the technician who comes carries key equipment. Ask when you call, and see car key duplicate.
Car lockout