Emergency Lockout: What to Do When Youre Locked Out

Being locked out of your home, car, or office is one of those stressful situations that can happen to anyone at any time. Whether you left your keys inside, lost them, or your lock malfunctioned, knowing what to do can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major ordeal. Heres your complete guide to handling a lockout situation.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important step is to take a deep breath and stay calm. Panic leads to poor decisions, like trying to break a window or force a door open, which can result in injury or expensive property damage. Take a moment to think through your options rationally.

Check all entry points. Is there another door or window that might be unlocked? Many people forget about back doors, garage entries, or windows they may have left slightly open. Do a complete circuit of your property before assuming youre completely locked out.

Check for Spare Keys

Do you have a spare key hidden somewhere? Under a mat (not recommended for security reasons), with a neighbor, in a lockbox, or in your car? Call a family member or roommate who might have a copy. Many people discover they have more key options than they initially realized.

Do NOT Try to Break In

This cannot be stressed enough: do not attempt to break into your own property. Forcing a door can damage the frame, the lock, and the door itself, leading to repair costs that far exceed what a locksmith would charge. Breaking a window is dangerous and expensive. And if neighbors see you breaking in, they may call the police, leading to an embarrassing and time-consuming situation.

Call a Professional Locksmith

A professional locksmith is the safest, most efficient solution for a lockout. Heres what to expect when you call Top Locksmith CA:

When you call (818) 987-2214, well ask for your location and the type of lockout (home, car, or business). Well provide an estimated arrival time (typically 15-30 minutes) and give you an upfront price quote. Our licensed technician will arrive with all necessary tools, verify your identity and right to access the property, and have you back inside quickly without damage to your lock or door.

Preventing Future Lockouts

Once youre back inside, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Consider installing a smart lock with keypad entry — you can never lock yourself out if you have a code. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member. Use a secure key lockbox (realtor-style). Create a habit of always checking for your keys before closing the door. Consider a key tracking device like a Tile or AirTag on your keychain.

Car Lockouts

Car lockouts require specialized tools and knowledge. Modern vehicles have sophisticated lock systems that can be damaged by improper entry attempts. Never use a coat hanger or slim jim on a modern car — you can trigger airbags, damage weather sealing, or break electronic components. A professional automotive locksmith has the proper tools to safely unlock your vehicle without damage.

Remember, being locked out is not an emergency that requires calling 911 unless you have a child or pet trapped inside a vehicle. For standard lockouts, call a professional locksmith. Top Locksmith CA is available 24/7 at (818) 987-2214.