Guide · 4 min read
Locked Your Keys in the Car? What to Do Next
Stay calm, check the simple options and call for a lockout service instead of forcing the door or a window.
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By MyTowPublished 4 min read
Key takeaways
- If a child or pet is inside and in distress, call 911 immediately.
- Check for a spare key, a phone app or a helper who can bring one before paying for a service.
- Avoid wedges, coat hangers and forcing the door: they can damage seals, wiring and window mechanisms.
- A lockout service uses non-destructive tools to open the vehicle without harming the paint or glass.
Safety first
If a child, a pet or a person is locked inside, or it is very hot or very cold, call 911 right away rather than waiting for a lockout service. Otherwise, take a breath: a lockout is stressful but usually easy to fix.
Quick checks before you call
- Try every door and the trunk; sometimes one is unlocked
- Look for a spare key at home, with family or a trusted person nearby
- Check whether the vehicle has a phone app or connected-services feature that can unlock it
- Make sure the key fob is not simply out of battery and that the manual key blade is not hidden inside it
Why not force it?
Wedges, coat hangers and prying can damage door seals, wiring, airbags' sensors and window mechanisms, and can scratch the paint. A repair bill is usually larger than the cost of a proper lockout service.
How a lockout service works
A trained operator uses specialized, non-destructive entry tools to open the door without scratching glass or bending frames. You will usually be asked for proof that the vehicle is yours before it is opened.
Share your exact location, the make, model and colour of the vehicle, and where the keys are, in your request so dispatch can confirm the right service.
If the keys are lost, not just locked in
If you do not know where the keys are, a lockout gets you inside but may not start the vehicle. In that case, a flatbed tow to a dealership or locksmith may be the next step. Mention it in your request.
Avoid the next lockout
- Keep a spare key somewhere safe but not in the vehicle
- Never leave keys in a jacket or bag in the trunk
- Make a habit of checking for the key before shutting the door
- Consider a key tracker or phone-based keys if your vehicle supports them
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Child or pet locked inside | Call 911 immediately. |
| Keys locked inside, vehicle otherwise fine | Request vehicle lockout service for non-destructive entry. |
| Keys lost, not just locked in | Request a lockout, then a flatbed tow to a dealership or locksmith if the vehicle cannot be started. |
| Key fob battery dead | Use the manual key blade in the fob if it has one, or request a lockout. |
Need towing or roadside help now?
Depending on your situation, explore vehicle lockout, roadside assistance or flatbed towing. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Review towing and roadside assistance pricing factors, how MyTow’s online request process works and roadside safety tips.
This guide is general information, not legal or mechanical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Related services
Roadside
Roadside Assistance — service details
Boosts, tire changes, lockouts and fuel — fixes that get you moving again.
Towing
Flatbed Towing — service details
All four wheels off the road — ideal for AWD, lowered and damaged vehicles.
Keep reading
Questions and answers
Will a lockout service damage my car?
A trained operator uses non-destructive entry tools that are designed not to scratch glass, bend frames or tear weatherstripping.
What if my child is locked in the car?
Call 911 immediately. Emergency responders are the fastest option when a child or pet is locked inside, especially in hot or cold weather.
Do I have to prove the car is mine?
Operators generally ask for proof of ownership before opening a vehicle. Have your ID and vehicle registration or another proof of ownership ready.
Can I break a window if I am locked out?
Only in a life-threatening emergency, after calling 911. Otherwise, a lockout service is cheaper and safer than replacing a window.
What do I tell dispatch when I request a lockout?
Your exact location, the vehicle's make, model and colour, where the keys are and anything unusual, such as a push-button start or no manual key slot.
What is "Locked Your Keys in the Car? What to Do Next" about?
Stay calm, check the simple options and call for a lockout service instead of forcing the door or a window.
What are the key points in "Locked Your Keys in the Car? What to Do Next"?
If a child or pet is inside and in distress, call 911 immediately. Check for a spare key, a phone app or a helper who can bring one before paying for a service. Avoid wedges, coat hangers and forcing the door: they can damage seals, wiring and window mechanisms. A lockout service uses non-destructive tools to open the vehicle without harming the paint or glass.
When should I call 911 instead of requesting a tow?
If anyone is injured, there is a fire, or your vehicle is blocking a live lane, call 911 first. Request a tow once everyone is safe.
Which MyTow services relate to this guide?
vehicle lockout, roadside assistance, flatbed towing. Each has its own page with details, coverage and pricing factors.
How do I request help from MyTow?
Open the MyTow digital app at https://app.mytow.ca/request or call dispatch at (647) 633-8885. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Request towing or roadside help with MyTow
MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
