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If you’ve locked your keys in an automatic-transmission car, check every door and the trunk, then try your vehicle’s manufacturer app if remote unlocking is set up. If neither works, have someone bring a spare key or call roadside assistance or an automotive locksmith. Don’t pry or manipulate the lock: the right entry method depends on the vehicle. If a child is trapped inside, call 911 immediately.
First, check for an emergency
If a child is alone in the locked vehicle, this is not an ordinary lockout. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says to act immediately and call 911. If the child is unresponsive or appears to be in distress, NHTSA advises trying to get into the car—even if that means breaking a window—and rapidly cooling the child. This is emergency guidance, not a routine way to get into a locked car. As NHTSA put it in its May 1, 2024 National Heatstroke Prevention Day release, “The inside of a vehicle is never a safe place for a child to play or be left alone, because hot cars can be deadly for children in a matter of minutes.”
5 ways to get back into your car
1. Check every door and the trunk
Try each door and the trunk before arranging help. A door that looks locked may not be. AAA recommends checking each door; don’t pry one open or try to manipulate its lock, since that can damage the vehicle and may create a security risk.
2. Try the manufacturer’s app
Some newer vehicles can be remotely unlocked through a manufacturer app, according to The AA. The feature depends on the make, model, equipment, app activation, and account setup. Open your vehicle’s own app and follow its instructions; don’t assume remote unlocking is available just because the car has other connected features.
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3. Ask someone to bring a spare key
If a spare is accessible, ask a friend or family member to bring it. AAA lists spare-key help as an option. This avoids improvised entry, although it depends on someone being able to reach the spare.
4. Contact roadside assistance
Call your roadside-assistance provider and ask whether it can send help for a vehicle lockout. AAA says its technicians can try to unlock a car, but coverage or reimbursement depends on the membership or plan. Confirm service availability and your plan’s terms rather than assuming a lockout is included. The AAA Auto Club South service page describes vehicle lockout assistance; specific benefits vary by provider and plan.
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5. Call a qualified automotive locksmith
If a spare or roadside service is not workable, contact an automotive locksmith and explain the vehicle’s make, model, and year. The AA describes patrols using specialist entry tools and, in some cases, making keys. Some vehicles may instead require a locksmith or a tow to a dealer, as AAA guidance notes. Ask what the locksmith can do for your specific vehicle before arranging service; entry methods and security systems vary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the right method depends on your car
“Automatic” here means an automatic-transmission vehicle, not a special kind of door lock. Remote-entry features and key designs vary by make, model, year, and equipment. Some smart-key fobs contain a mechanical key, but its location and use are vehicle-specific. For example, the 2024 Toyota bZ4X owner’s manual directs owners to use a mechanical key if smart-key or wireless remote operation fails. Check your own owner’s manual for instructions; that Toyota procedure should not be treated as universal.
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Which option should you try?
| Option | What it depends on | Best next move |
|---|---|---|
| Check doors and trunk | A door or trunk may not be locked. | Try each opening without prying. |
| Manufacturer app | Your vehicle must support remote unlock, and the feature must be set up. | Check your own app and its instructions. |
| Spare key | Someone must be able to access and bring it. | Contact the person who has the spare. |
| Roadside assistance | Service availability and lockout benefits depend on the provider and plan. | Call your provider to confirm eligibility and service. |
| Automotive locksmith | The vehicle’s entry and key systems determine what service is possible; some cases may require a tow to a dealer. | Give the locksmith the vehicle’s make, model, and year and ask about the available service. |
What not to do in an ordinary lockout
- Don’t wedge the door, pry it open, or try generic lock-manipulation techniques.
- Don’t break a window unless there is an immediate emergency, such as a child in distress.
- Don’t assume a particular app feature, mechanical-key procedure, roadside benefit, price, or wait time applies to every vehicle or plan.
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