Being locked out is stressful, but most lockouts end well if you take a minute to think before you act. Here are the steps to follow whether you’re locked out of your home, your car or your office, plus a few simple ways to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Steps to take when you’re locked out
- Get somewhere safe. If it’s dark, cold or you’re near traffic, move to a well-lit, safe spot before doing anything else. If a child, pet or vulnerable person is locked inside a home or car, call 911 first.
- Check every other way in. Try the back door, the garage, a side door or a window you can reach safely. For a car, check every door and the trunk.
- Call anyone with a spare key. A partner, roommate, family member or neighbor may be able to let you in faster than anyone else.
- Call the right contact for the property. If you rent, call your property manager. At work, call your manager or building security. For a car, check whether your insurance or roadside plan covers lockouts.
- Call a local locksmith. If none of that works, a professional locksmith can open the door without damaging it. Ask for a quote before they head out, and have your ID ready.
What’s different for a home, car or office
Home: the locksmith will ask for a photo ID with your address, or a lease or utility bill, before opening the door. If your keys are lost rather than locked inside, ask about rekeying while they’re there so the lost keys stop working.
Car: have your vehicle’s year, make and model ready, plus your registration or title. If the key is lost, a mobile locksmith can cut and program a new one on-site. More on car lockouts.
Office: a locksmith will usually need approval from the business owner or building manager before opening a commercial door. If a key went missing with a former employee, rekeying or a master key system keeps that key from becoming a security problem.
Why you shouldn’t force your way in
Prying a door, kicking it or working a credit card into the latch rarely works, and it often costs more than the locksmith would have.
- It damages more than the lock. Doors, frames and weatherstripping are expensive to repair.
- It weakens your security. A damaged lock or frame is easier for someone else to break later.
- It can hurt you. Climbing through windows and breaking glass cause real injuries.
A professional locksmith uses tools designed to open the lock the way a key would, so the lock keeps working afterward.
Save a locksmith’s number before you need it
The worst time to search for a locksmith is while you’re standing outside. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to call the first ad, and some of those are national dispatch services that quote low and charge high once the door is open.
Choose a locksmith ahead of time and save the number in your phone. Look for a real local address, clear pricing and reviews that describe actual jobs. Our guide on how to choose a Denver locksmith covers what to check.
How to avoid the next lockout
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust, like a neighbor or family member nearby. Skip the doormat and the fake rock; they’re the first places a burglar looks.
- Use a lockbox. A combination lockbox mounted somewhere discreet holds a spare key securely, which works well for homes and small offices.
- Switch to a keypad or smart lock. With a code, fingerprint or phone app, there’s no key to forget. Choose one with a backup key or battery option. See smart lock installation.
- Keep a spare car key. Getting a spare made from a working key costs far less than replacing a key once every copy is gone.
- Fix sticky locks early. A key that catches or a deadbolt that drags is a warning sign. Repairing it now prevents the lock from failing at the worst moment.
Common questions
Will the locksmith damage my lock?
Usually not. Most lockouts are opened with non-destructive tools. If drilling is ever needed, a good locksmith explains why before doing it.
What if I’m locked out and my keys are lost, not inside?
Once you’re back in, rekey your exterior locks. Rekeying makes the lost keys useless without replacing your hardware.
Does car insurance cover lockouts?
Some policies and roadside assistance plans do. Check yours, and ask the locksmith for a receipt you can submit.
Locked out in Denver or Aurora? Call or text Lucky Lock at 720-453-7334 for a quote. For what a fair lockout bill looks like, see what to do when you’re locked out in Denver.
