Step-by-Step Lockout Guide
Step 1: Stay Calm and Check Every Entry Point
Before calling anyone, systematically check:
- Back door and side doors — these are commonly left unlocked
- Garage door — try the keypad, remote from your car, or side entry
- Ground-floor windows — check for any that are unlocked or slightly open
- Pet door — if large enough to reach inside and unlock the door
- Sliding glass doors — these sometimes unlatch with a firm jiggle
Step 2: Contact Someone With a Spare Key
- Neighbor or friend who has a copy
- Family member who can drive a key over
- Landlord or property management (if renting) — most have master keys
- Roommate or partner who may be nearby
Step 3: Call a Licensed Locksmith
If Steps 1–2 don't work, call a professional locksmith:
| Service | Typical Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime lockout (Mon–Fri) | $75–$150 | 15–30 min |
| Evening/weekend lockout | $100–$200 | 15–30 min |
| Late night lockout (after midnight) | $150–$300 | 15–45 min |
Before the locksmith arrives:
- Ask for an upfront price range over the phone
- Verify their license (required in most states)
- Confirm they accept your payment method
- Ask for the company name and technician name
Step 4: If There's a Safety Emergency, Call 911
Call 911 or the fire department ONLY if:
- A child is locked inside alone
- A pet is in distress inside (especially in hot weather)
- Someone inside needs medical attention
- You smell gas or see smoke
Fire departments have tools to gain entry quickly and won't charge you in genuine safety emergencies. This is NOT a substitute for a locksmith in non-emergency situations.
Free, 24/7 — Licensed local pros
What NOT to Do
| Don't Do This | Why |
|---|---|
| Don't break a window | Glass replacement costs $150–$500+, and you risk injury |
| Don't kick the door | Door frame repair costs $200–$500, and you may damage the lock |
| Don't use a credit card on a deadbolt | This only works on spring latches (knob locks), not deadbolts — and damages the card |
| Don't call 911 for a non-emergency lockout | Ties up emergency resources; they'll tell you to call a locksmith |
| Don't hire the first locksmith that pops up | Scam operators advertise $15–$35, then charge $200–$500+ on-site |
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams
Lockout emergencies make people vulnerable to scams. Here's how to protect yourself:
- Get a price range BEFORE they arrive — legitimate companies will quote $75–$200 for a standard lockout
- Verify licensing — most states require locksmith licensing (check your state's DPS or licensing board)
- Ask for a company name and look them up — check Google reviews and verify a physical business address
- Refuse if the on-site price is dramatically higher than the phone quote
- Never pay before the work is done
- Get a receipt with the company name, license number, and work performed
Preventing Future Lockouts
| Prevention Method | Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor | Free | High — unless they're not home |
| Hide a key in a combination lockbox | $15–$30 | High — always available |
| Install a keypad deadbolt | $150–$300 installed | Very high — no physical key needed |
| Install a smart lock (WiFi/Bluetooth) | $200–$400 installed | Very high — unlock with phone remotely |
| Keep a spare key in your wallet | $2–$5 | Moderate — wallet can be inside too |
| Keep a spare in your car | $2–$5 | Moderate — car may be in locked garage |
A keypad or smart lock ($150–$400) is the most reliable prevention — you can never be locked out because there's no physical key to forget. Many smart locks also allow you to create temporary codes for guests, cleaners, and service providers.
First, check all doors, windows, and the garage for an unlocked entry point. Then contact a neighbor, family member, or landlord who has a spare key. If neither works, call a licensed locksmith ($75–$200 for a standard daytime lockout, 15–30 minutes to resolve). Do NOT break a window or kick the door — the damage costs far more than a locksmith. Only call 911 if there's a genuine safety emergency (child locked inside, medical emergency, or gas/smoke detected). To prevent future lockouts, install a keypad or smart lock ($150–$400).
A residential lockout costs $75–$150 during daytime business hours, $100–$200 in the evening or on weekends, and $150–$300+ after midnight. Most lockouts take 15–30 minutes to resolve. Always get an upfront price range over the phone before the locksmith arrives. Beware of scam operators who quote $15–$35 on the phone then charge $200–$500+ on-site. Verify the locksmith's license and check reviews. A legitimate locksmith will have a company name, physical address, and clear pricing.
No — do NOT call 911 for a standard lockout. Call a locksmith instead ($75–$200). Only call 911 if there is a genuine safety emergency: a child is locked inside alone, a pet is in distress (especially in extreme heat or cold), someone inside needs medical attention, or you detect gas or smoke. Fire departments have tools to gain entry in true emergencies and won't charge you. Using 911 for a non-emergency lockout ties up emergency resources and they'll simply direct you to call a locksmith.
The most reliable prevention is installing a keypad deadbolt ($150–$300) or smart lock ($200–$400) — you can never be locked out because there's no physical key to forget. Other options: give a spare key to a trusted neighbor (free), hide one in a combination lockbox ($15–$30), or keep a spare in your wallet. Smart locks also let you unlock remotely with your phone and create temporary codes for guests or service providers. Avoid hiding keys under mats or in obvious locations — burglars check these first.
Safety information sourced from SafeWise, ADT, and the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). For locksmith pricing in your area, see our Houston locksmith cost guide or Phoenix locksmith cost guide.
