By All Lockouts Locksmith team ·
It happens in a second. You set the keys on the seat while you grab a bag, the door shuts, and the car locks itself. Or you walk out of a store, reach into your pocket, and see the keys dangling from the ignition. Car lockouts happen to everyone, and the good news is that almost every one of them ends with the door open and no damage done. This guide walks you through what to do, in order, so you can get back on the road safely and without overpaying.
Step 1: If a child or pet is inside, call 911 first
This is the one rule that comes before everything else. If a child, a pet, or a vulnerable adult is locked inside the vehicle, call 911 right away. Do not wait for a locksmith, do not spend time searching for a spare key, and do not assume the windows being cracked is enough. In Central Florida, the inside of a closed car can become dangerously hot quickly, even on days that don't feel extreme outside. Emergency responders are trained for this and can act faster than any private service. Once everyone is safe, we're happy to help with whatever comes next — such as a broken window or a replacement key.
Step 2: Get yourself somewhere safe and comfortable
If it's just you outside the car, your next priority is your own safety. If you're on the shoulder of a busy road, move well away from traffic. If you're in a parking lot at night, stay in a well-lit area or go inside a nearby business while you wait. Central Florida's afternoon heat and summer storms are real factors too — find shade or shelter. Keep your phone charged and with you; it's your lifeline to whoever is coming to help.
Step 3: Check every door and the trunk
It sounds obvious, but it's worth a calm walk around the car. Try every door handle and the trunk or liftgate. Some vehicles lock only certain doors, and a rear hatch is sometimes left unlocked. If you have a smartphone app from your car's manufacturer, check whether it offers a remote unlock feature. A family member with a spare key nearby might also be the quickest fix.
Step 4: Don't try to force your way in
Coat hangers, slim jims and screwdrivers can scratch paint, tear weather stripping, damage the window track, or interfere with the wiring and airbag components inside modern doors. A repair can easily cost more than a professional lockout service. Breaking a window should be reserved for true emergencies — and in those cases, emergency services should be your first call.
Step 5: Call or text a mobile locksmith
A mobile locksmith comes to you with professional tools designed to open cars without damage — inflatable air wedges, long-reach tools and vehicle-specific techniques. When you call All Lockouts Locksmith, we'll ask a few quick questions so we can give you a starting price and realistic timing:
- Where exactly you are — address, parking level and row, or nearest cross street
- The year, make, model and color of the vehicle
- Whether the keys are locked inside or lost
- Whether anyone with you has a medical concern
We don't promise a specific arrival time, because traffic on I-4 and the number of calls ahead of you change constantly. Instead we tell you honestly what to expect and confirm the price before we dispatch.
Step 6: Have your ID and proof of ownership ready
A legitimate locksmith will always verify that the car is yours before opening it. You'll need a photo ID that matches the registration, title or insurance card. If those documents are in the glove box, we'll check them right after the door opens. If the car is a rental, have the rental agreement in your name. This step protects you — it's the same check that stops someone else from having your car opened.
What does a car lockout cost in Altamonte Springs?
At All Lockouts Locksmith, car lockouts start at $70. The final price depends on the vehicle, the time of day and your location, and we confirm it with you before anyone drives out. Be cautious of anyone who quotes an unusually low price on the phone and then adds fees on arrival — ask for the total upfront.
What if the keys aren't in the car at all?
If your keys are lost rather than locked inside, opening the door only solves half the problem. In many cases we can cut and program a new transponder key or smart fob right where the car is parked. Read our guide on what to do if you've lost all your car keys for the full process.
Rental cars in Lake Mary and Altamonte Springs
Visitors get locked out too. If you're in a rental car, check whether your rental contract includes roadside assistance — sometimes that's the fastest route. If you'd rather call us, we can help with the rental agreement and your ID. Our coverage is limited to Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Casselberry and Longwood. We do not travel to Orlando or farther-away locations.
How to avoid the next lockout
- Get a spare key made and keep it with someone you trust nearby.
- Make a habit of keys-in-hand before closing any door.
- Replace weak fob batteries — a dying battery can cause unexpected lock behavior.
- Save a 24/7 locksmith's number in your phone now, so you're not searching when it happens.
Locked out right now? Anywhere in Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Maitland, Casselberry or Longwood, call or text us any time — we'll confirm the price and timing before dispatch.