Car lockout service across San Diego County
Last reviewed June 2026 · Swift Key San Diego
A locked-keys-in-car call does not need to end in a broken window or a pried-open door frame. We use automotive lockout tools, inflatable wedges, long-reach rods, and slim jims on older vehicles, to get the door open without leaving a single mark. Most unlocks take 10 to 15 minutes once we arrive.
What's included in this service?
- Keys locked inside the vehicle, standard lockout for most cars
- Keys locked in the trunk, trunk pops on most sedans and hatchbacks
- Broken-key extraction from door or ignition
- Lockouts with a child or pet inside, we treat these as top priority
- Lockouts at dealerships, tow yards, and long-term parking
- Motorcycles, RVs, and box trucks, call to confirm for heavy equipment
When do you need this service?
- Keys locked inside a running car (yes, it happens)
- Keys locked in the trunk
- Key broke off in the door or ignition
- Child or pet locked inside (call 911 first if the child is in distress)
- Stranded at a parking lot, gas station, or trailhead
What do homeowners ask about Car Lockout?
How much does a car lockout cost?
Standard car lockout during business hours: $85–$125. After-hours (10pm to 6am): add $45. Trunk lockouts and broken-key extraction run $120–$175 because they take longer. The price is quoted before we start, and we honor it.
Will you damage my car door?
No. We use automotive-specific tools: inflatable air wedges to make a small gap, then a long-reach rod to pop the unlock button or pull the door handle. Nothing touches the paint, weather stripping, or window. We do not use the old-school slim jim on modern cars with side-impact airbags, it is not worth the risk.
My child is locked in the car. What should I do?
Call 911 first if the child is in distress, showing signs of heat exposure, or the temperature inside is high. We arrive fast, but the fire department is closer and free. If the child is calm and you can see them, call us and we will prioritize the run.
Can you help if my key fob battery is dead?
Yes. Most fobs have a physical key hidden inside the fob body, we can use that to unlock the door. If your car requires the fob to be read by a proximity sensor (most 2015+ luxury vehicles), we may need to replace the fob battery on-site first.
Do you do lockouts at the San Diego airport or tow yards?
Yes, both. Airport long-term lots (Long-Term Parking, Aladdin, WallyPark) are all on our regular route. Tow yards require you to be present with your registration and ID before we can unlock.
Where do we offer Car Lockout in San Diego County?
We provide car lockout in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See car lockout in all 67 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Examples of the kind of feedback we work to earn on every job. Verified reviews from real customers live on our Google Business Profile and Yelp pages.
Locked keys in the car at Target parking lot on a Sunday afternoon. Called and the tech was there in 25 minutes. Used some kind of inflatable wedge and a rod, no damage to the door. Paid what they quoted, no surprises.
Just bought our first house and wanted all the locks rekeyed. Four doors, keyed alike, done in under an hour. The tech explained everything and even showed us how a rekey works. Way cheaper than replacing all the locks like we thought.
My late father's safe had been sitting locked for ten years, we had no combination. Swift Key opened it non-destructively, then helped me change the combo so I could actually use it. Took about 90 minutes. Professional and careful with the safe.
Need car lockout in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.