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You step out of Starbucks on US-1, coffee in hand, and reach for the door handle. Nothing happens. You pat your pockets — keys are sitting right there on the center console, visible through the window. Or maybe you’re at Melbourne Square Mall and the key fob battery died. Or your toddler locked the doors while you were loading groceries at Publix on Palm Bay Road.
Car lockouts happen to everyone, and they always happen at the worst possible time. Here’s what you should actually do — and what you should definitely avoid.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Before you do anything, take a breath and check a few things:
Is the car running? If the engine is on with the keys inside, this is a higher-priority situation, especially in Florida’s heat. Don’t leave children or pets in a running vehicle — call 911 immediately if that’s the case.
Are any windows cracked? Even a slightly open window changes the approach a locksmith might take.
Do you have a spare key nearby? Maybe your spouse, a family member, or a friend has one. If they can get it to you in 20 minutes, that might be the fastest solution.
Check all doors and the trunk. It sounds obvious, but people often overlook that the trunk or a rear door might be unlocked.
What Not to Do
Don’t try to break in with a coat hanger, slim jim, or screwdriver. Modern vehicles have side-impact airbag sensors in the doors. Jamming metal tools into the door frame can trigger these sensors, deploy airbags, or damage wiring. A $150 lockout call turns into a $2,000 repair.
Don’t smash the window unless there’s a genuine life-safety emergency (child or pet trapped in a hot car). A car window replacement costs $200–$500, plus you’ll be driving with an open hole until it’s fixed.
Don’t call a tow truck just to unlock your car. Tow drivers aren’t trained locksmiths. Some carry basic lockout tools, but they can easily scratch your paint, damage weather stripping, or bend your door frame. And they’ll charge you $75–$150 for the attempt regardless of the outcome.
How a Car Lockout Service Actually Works
A professional automotive locksmith arrives at your location — parking lot, driveway, roadside, wherever you are. The process typically takes 5–15 minutes and works like this:
For vehicles with traditional locks, the locksmith uses professional-grade tools designed specifically for your vehicle make and model. These tools work with the lock mechanism without damaging the door, frame, or weather seals.
For smart key vehicles that don’t have a visible keyhole, the approach varies by manufacturer. Some vehicles have hidden keyholes behind covers on the door handle. Others require specialized electronic tools that communicate with the vehicle’s access system.
For keys locked in the trunk, the locksmith accesses the vehicle through the door first, then uses the interior trunk release or folds down the rear seats to reach the trunk space.
In every case, there’s zero damage to the vehicle when it’s done by a qualified locksmith.
What to Do While You Wait
Florida heat is no joke — especially in Brevard County where summer temperatures regularly hit the mid-90s with humidity to match. If you’re locked out in a parking lot:
- Move to shade if possible
- Stay hydrated — grab water from a nearby store
- If you have a phone charger in another bag, keep your phone alive
- Note your exact location so you can give the locksmith clear directions
Preventing Future Lockouts
Get a spare key made and keep it somewhere accessible. Not in the car — that defeats the purpose. Give one to a trusted family member or neighbor. Some people keep a spare in a magnetic key box attached to the vehicle’s frame, though this carries some theft risk.
Use a smart key tracker like a Tile or Apple AirTag on your keychain. If you lose your keys entirely, you can locate them within a few feet.
Develop a pocket-check habit. Before you close any car door, keys in hand. Every time. It takes about a week to build the habit, and it’s worth it.
Car Lockout Service in Brevard County
Key-En-Lock provides 24/7 emergency car lockout service throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Viera, Titusville, and all of Brevard County. We typically arrive in 20–30 minutes and have you back in your car in under 15 minutes with zero damage.
If you’re locked out right now, call (321) 224-5625. We’ll get you back on the road.
