Locked Your Keys in the Car? What to Do (and What Not to Try)

It happens to everyone eventually: the door shuts, you hear the click, and your keys are sitting on the seat. Maybe you're in a grocery store parking lot in Whitby, at the GO station, or in your own driveway in the middle of winter. Here's what to do, step by step.

First: is anyone or anything inside?

If a child or pet is locked in the car, call 911 right away, especially in hot or cold weather. Temperatures inside a closed car can become dangerous quickly. Don't wait for a locksmith.

Check the simple things

Before calling anyone, take a minute to check:

1. Every door and the trunk. One door may be unlocked.
2. The trunk release. Some cars can be opened from the trunk, then you can reach the cabin through fold-down seats.
3. Your phone app. Many newer vehicles have a manufacturer app that can unlock the doors remotely.
4. A spare key. Is there one at home that someone could bring?
5. Roadside assistance. Check your auto insurance, car manufacturer coverage, or auto club membership.

What not to do

• Don't use a coat hanger or a slim jim (a thin metal strip). Modern car doors contain wiring, airbag components, and window mechanisms that are easily damaged.
• Don't pry the door or window. Bent frames and broken weatherstripping lead to leaks and wind noise.
• Don't break a window unless there's an emergency with a person or pet inside and help hasn't arrived.

When to call a lockout technician

Call a professional if:

• No spare key is quickly available
• Roadside assistance isn't available or would take too long
• You're somewhere unsafe or it's late at night
• The key is locked in and the car is running

Our car lockout service is available 24/7, including evenings and weekends, across Durham Region.

What to have ready when you call

To help us reach you and confirm we can help:

• Your exact location: address, nearest intersection, or the name of the parking lot
• Vehicle details: make, model, year, and colour
• What happened: keys locked inside, keys lost, or a lock that won't work
• Your phone nearby so we can send updates

We'll confirm the details and give you a realistic arrival estimate before we head out.

How damage-free entry works

A trained technician uses specialized tools designed to open vehicle doors without harming the door, lock, or window. We use non-destructive entry methods whenever possible. If a vehicle's condition means damage-free entry isn't realistic, we explain your options before doing anything.

Preventing the next lockout

• Keep a spare key somewhere accessible, such as with a trusted family member
• Set up your vehicle's app if it supports remote unlocking
• Build a habit: keys in hand before the door closes
• Replace a failing key fob battery before it quits
• Be extra careful in winter when you're warming up the car; don't leave keys inside with the doors unlocked or locked

Frequently asked questions