Emergency Tips

It happens to everyone at some point, you're standing in a dark parking lot, keys locked inside your car, phone at low battery, and it's late. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Move to a Safe Location

Your first priority is personal safety, not the car. If you're in an isolated or unsafe area, move toward a lit, populated space, a store entrance, a restaurant, anywhere with people and lighting. Don't stand alone in a dark parking lot.

Step 2: Check Your Options

Before calling anyone, do a quick check:

• Try all doors, sometimes a back door or the trunk is unlocked.
• Check if you have a spare key at home or with a trusted person nearby.
• Check if your vehicle has a remote app (many modern vehicles have manufacturer apps that can unlock remotely).

Step 3: Call a Locksmith, Not a Tow Truck

This is the most important advice: call a locksmith, not a tow truck. A tow truck driver typically isn't equipped to unlock your car on the spot — they'll take it to a dealership, which means hours of waiting and a significantly larger bill than a locksmith would charge.

A licensed automotive locksmith will come to your exact location, open the car without damage, and be done in minutes. In Dallas-Fort Worth, Right Choice Locksmith provides 24/7 mobile automotive locksmith service.

Step 4: What NOT to Do

• Don't try to use a coat hanger or slim jim yourself, some modern vehicles have sensors in the door frame, and amateur entry attempts can cause costly damage regardless of vehicle type.
• Don't break a window, replacing a car window can cost several hundred dollars or more depending on the vehicle, while professional lockout service avoids intentionally damaging the glass.
• Don't accept help from strangers, unfortunately, some people will offer to help and use it as an opportunity for theft or worse.

What to Tell the Locksmith When You Call

Have this information ready to speed things up:

• Your exact location (cross streets, parking lot name, or drop a pin)
• Your vehicle year, make, and model
• Whether the keys are visible inside the car

This lets the locksmith bring the right tools and give you an accurate ETA and price before arriving.

How to Prevent It from Happening Again

• Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted person.
• Consider a magnetic key holder hidden under your vehicle.
• Download your vehicle manufacturer's app if it supports remote unlock.
• Save a local locksmith's number in your phone, you won't regret it at 2am.

Locked Out Right Now?

We're available 24/7 in Dallas-Fort Worth. Fast response, no after-hours fee.

📞 Call (469) 640-6420

Related: Car Lockout Service  ·  24/7 Emergency Locksmith