Locked out of your car? What to do first

It happens to everyone, usually in a hurry and often in the heat. A few calm minutes can save you a scratched door or a broken window.

1. Check every door and the trunk

It sounds obvious, but we arrive to find an unlocked rear door more often than you’d think. Try the hatch or trunk release too.

2. If a child or pet is inside, call 911

In summer, a closed car heats up within minutes. Emergency services come first; we’re happy to come afterward.

3. Skip the coat hanger

Modern doors hide airbag wiring and window seals where a hanger goes. The repair usually costs far more than a lockout call.

4. Have these ready

• Your exact location or a pin from your phone

• Year, make and model of the car

• Your ID, we check it against the registration

• Whether the key is inside, lost or broken

5. Ask for the price before anyone drives out

A legitimate locksmith can give you a firm starting price on the phone. Ours starts at $89 for most vehicles, with a flat after-hours fee.