Locked Your Keys in the Car? What to Do Next
Keys on the seat, doors locked. It happens to almost everyone. Here's what to do, in the right order, and what to avoid so a lockout doesn't turn into a repair bill.
Short answer: if a child, vulnerable person or animal is locked inside, call 000 now. Otherwise, check every door and the boot, then get someone to bring the spare, call roadside assistance if you have it, or call a mobile car locksmith. Avoid coat hangers and screwdrivers, which damage seals, wiring and paint.
First: is anyone locked inside?
Cars heat up dangerously fast, even on a mild day. If a child, a person who can't get out by themselves, or a pet is inside, call 000 immediately. Emergency services treat this as urgent. Don't wait for a locksmith or roadside assistance.
Check the obvious
- Try every door and the boot. Central locking doesn't always catch every door, especially on older cars.
- Check the windows. Even a slightly open window can matter.
- Check whether the car is still running. If it is, the fuel and battery won't last forever, so move faster.
- Check your car's app. Some manufacturers offer an app that can unlock the car remotely if you've set it up.
Your options
| Option | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Spare key | Someone nearby can bring it | Cheapest option if it's close |
| Roadside assistance (for example RACV in Victoria) | Members | Response times vary with demand |
| Mobile car locksmith | Anyone, anywhere | Comes to you; opens most cars without damage |
| Dealer | Rarely needed for a lockout | Usually means towing the car |
Why not use a coat hanger?
Modern cars are packed with wiring, airbags and sensors inside the doors, and door seals tear easily. Forcing a hanger or a screwdriver down the window seal can damage the seal, scratch the paint, break the door's internal rods, or set off the alarm. A professional opening uses vehicle-specific tools designed to avoid all of that, and costs less than fixing the damage.
What happens when a locksmith arrives
- They'll look at the car and choose the least invasive way in.
- Most cars are opened in a few minutes using wedges and long-reach tools or vehicle lock picks.
- Once the door is open, you'll be asked for proof the car is yours, such as your licence and rego papers.
Lost the keys rather than locked them in?
If the keys aren't in the car at all, opening the door won't help. You'll need a new key cut and programmed. See lost your car keys with no spare and car key replacement.
How to avoid the next one
- Keep a spare at home with someone who can bring it, not in the car.
- Don't put keys down on the seat while loading the car. Put them in your pocket.
- Be careful with keyless entry cars at the beach. Some lock automatically when the key is left inside a bag in the boot and the doors are closed.
On the Mornington Peninsula or in Frankston? See car lockouts.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
How do I get my keys out of a locked car?
Check every door and the boot, then use a spare key, roadside assistance or a mobile car locksmith. If a child or animal is inside, call 000 first.
Will a locksmith damage my car?
A professional car locksmith opens most cars without damage, using tools designed for vehicles.
Can I call 000 if my child is locked in the car?
Yes. A child or vulnerable person locked in a car is an emergency. Call 000 immediately.
How long does it take a locksmith to open a car?
Once they're at the car, most standard cars are opened quickly. Travel time depends on where you are.
What do I need to show the locksmith?
Proof the car is yours, such as your driver's licence and registration papers.
Need a locksmith on the Peninsula?
Homes, cars and businesses. Call any time and tell us what has happened.