What to Do in a Car Lockout: A Step-by-Step Guide for Denver Drivers

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess Your Surroundings

First things first — take a breath. A car lockout is stressful but it is a solvable problem. Look around and make sure you are in a safe location. If you are in a parking lot, move to a well-lit area near other people. If you are on a street, stay on the sidewalk and away from traffic. If children or pets are inside the locked vehicle — especially in Denver summer heat when interior temperatures can climb past 120 degrees in minutes — this is a true emergency and you should call (720) 706-5092 immediately.

Step 2: Check Every Door and the Trunk

You would be surprised how often a passenger door or the rear hatch is unlocked even though the driver's door is locked. Walk around the vehicle and check every entry point. If the car has a trunk release button inside the cabin, check whether the trunk is accessible — some vehicles allow trunk access without unlocking the main doors. This is the simplest possible resolution, so do not skip this step even if it feels obvious.

Step 3: Check for Spare Keys

Think about where your spare key is. Do you have one at home with a roommate, partner, or family member who can bring it to you? Is there a hide-a-key on the vehicle itself? Do you have a valet key in your wallet or glove compartment? (Wait — the glove compartment is locked too. Scratch that last one.) If a spare key is accessible within a reasonable distance, getting it is usually the cheapest and fastest solution.

If you do not have a spare key, this is a good reminder to get one made after this lockout is resolved. Visit our automotive locksmith page to learn about our car key replacement services — we can cut and program a spare key at your location.

Step 4: Call a Professional Mobile Locksmith

If the spare key is not accessible, the next step is to call a licensed mobile locksmith who specializes in automotive lockouts. We recommend calling a professional locksmith over roadside assistance for one main reason: locksmiths carry lock-picking tools and air wedges that open the door without damaging your vehicle. Roadside assistance services sometimes use slim jims or coat hanger methods that can scratch paint, damage weatherstripping, or — in newer vehicles — deploy side-impact airbags or damage wiring harnesses inside the door panel.

When you call, be ready to provide: your exact location (street address or parking lot name), the make, model, and year of your vehicle, and where the keys are inside the car. This helps the technician bring the right tools and arrive prepared.

Quick Pick Locksmith provides car lockout service across the entire Denver metro area — from downtown Denver to Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, and beyond. Call us at (720) 706-5092 for immediate dispatch.

Step 5: What NOT to Do During a Car Lockout

• Do not break a window. Window glass replacement costs far more than a locksmith call, and broken glass inside your car is a hazard. Unless there is a genuine life-threatening emergency (child or pet in extreme heat), breaking a window is never the right move.
• Do not use a coat hanger. Modern cars have wiring harnesses, side airbags, and weather seals that can be permanently damaged by improvised tools. A locksmith uses professional tools designed for the make and model.
• Do not force the door. Prying at the door frame can bend the door or damage the weatherstripping, leading to wind noise and water leaks down the road.
• Do not leave the vehicle unattended if it is running. If your keys are in the ignition and the engine is on, stay with the vehicle. Do not walk away to look for help.

How to Prevent Future Car Lockouts

The best lockout is the one that never happens. A few simple habits can save you from this experience in the future:

• Keep a spare metal key (without the remote fob) in your wallet or purse. Most modern cars have a hidden keyhole on the driver's door — check your owner's manual to locate it.
• If your car uses a proximity key, replace the fob battery annually. A dead fob battery is a common cause of "the car will not unlock" situations.
• Consider a magnetic hide-a-key box attached to a hidden part of the vehicle frame. Just make sure it is secured properly and in a location that is not obvious.
• Program our number — (720) 706-5092 — into your phone now. When you are locked out, you do not want to be searching for a locksmith's number on a phone with a dying battery.