Locked your keys in the car? What to do

Where’s the car?

We show you the locksmiths for keys locked in car who cover that spot.

or tap the map where the car is

Check every door and the boot, then whether anyone has the spare. If not, an auto locksmith can open most cars without damage, usually within the hour. Ask for the full price before they come out; breaking a window costs more.

Updated 2 November 2026.

Find a locksmith near you What to do, in order

What to do, in order

5 steps. Try them in this order; the last one is when to call someone.

If a child or pet is inside, call 999
On a warm day this is an emergency. The police or fire service will act straight away.
Try every door and the boot
Many cars leave one door or the boot on a separate lock.
Find the spare
Home, a partner, the person you bought it from. A spare and a taxi is often the cheapest fix.
Check your breakdown cover
Some breakdown cover includes lockouts. Waits can be long, so ask for a time.
Call an auto locksmith
They open most cars without damage using specialist tools, and can make a key on the spot if it's lost rather than locked in.

What it costs

How to get a fair price for keys locked in car.

Get the price before they set off

It depends on the car, the key and the time of day, so most local locksmiths don’t publish prices.
Ask for the full price, call-out included, when you call or message, and only agree once you have it.
Where a locksmith publishes their own prices, we show them on their card, and on their profile with a link to their page.

Services that fix it

The service for this, and what it can turn out to need.

Find a verified locksmith near you

Pick your town to see who covers it for keys locked in car, and ask them for a price.

Questions

Will opening my car damage it?

A trained auto locksmith opens most cars without damage. Avoid coat hangers and wedges, which scratch paint and bend door frames.

Is a locksmith faster than breakdown cover?

Often, because a local auto locksmith is usually nearby. Ask both for a time and go with whoever is sooner.

How much does it cost to get keys out of a locked car?

It depends on the car, how secure it is and the time of day, and most locksmiths don’t publish a price. Ask for the full price, call-out included, before they set off. It usually costs less than replacing a broken window.

Should I break a window to get in?

Only if someone inside is in danger and help is not coming. Otherwise a new window usually costs more than a locksmith, the car can’t be locked until it is fixed, and the glass goes everywhere.

How long does it take to open a car?

Once the locksmith is there, most cars open quickly; a few high-security models take longer. The drive to you is usually the longer part of the wait, so ask when they can arrive.