What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Car in Orange County
Step 1: Stay Calm — Check All Doors
Before doing anything else, try every door. Check the passenger doors, the rear doors, and the trunk (which can sometimes be opened from inside). Many people discover one door unlocked after walking around the vehicle. Also check whether a window is cracked open enough to reach a door unlock button.
Step 2: Check If Your Key Fob Battery Is Dead
If you have a push-to-start vehicle and suddenly cannot unlock it, the fob battery may have died. Most smart key vehicles have a hidden mechanical key slot — usually behind a small removable panel near the door handle. Check your owner's manual for the location. A dead fob battery is a very common cause of "locked out" situations.
Step 3: Check Your Roadside Assistance Coverage
Before paying out of pocket, check whether you have roadside coverage:
- Auto insurance: Many policies (Progressive, AAA, Allstate, GEICO) include roadside assistance. Check your insurance card or app.
- AAA membership: If you're a AAA member, call 1-800-222-4357 for a free lockout.
- Vehicle warranty: Some vehicle brands include free roadside for new vehicles (Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc.).
- Credit card: Some premium credit cards include roadside assistance as a benefit.
Step 4: Call a Licensed Mobile Locksmith
If you need faster service, don't have roadside coverage, or need a key made on-site — call a licensed mobile locksmith. In Orange County, 770 Locksmith (Lic# LCO8612) responds in 15–30 minutes to all OC cities. We use professional non-destructive entry tools — no damage to your vehicle.
Step 5: Do NOT Break a Window
Breaking a window is expensive to repair and often won't even unlock the door properly (many modern vehicles require the door handle to be pulled from outside). A licensed locksmith uses professional air wedge and long-reach tools that open the door without any damage. Calling a locksmith is always the right choice.
What to Have Ready When You Call
- Your exact location (address or nearest cross streets)
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Your photo ID (required to verify ownership before entry)
After the Lockout: Get a Spare Key Made
The best way to prevent the next lockout is to have a spare key made. Ask your locksmith to cut and program one while they're already at your location — it saves the cost of a second service call.