Car lockout service in San Diego. No locksmith needed.
If your keys are locked in the car, you don't necessarily need a locksmith - and you almost certainly don't want to pay locksmith prices. Quick Tow SD's drivers carry professional automotive lockout tools (long-reach kits, air wedges, lever sets) and unlock most non-electronic car doors in 5-10 minutes for a flat $75. For modern push-button-start vehicles where the key is locked inside and the car cannot detect it, we can still get the door open - and from there, you can usually drive away. This is what tow companies do every day; for the simple lockout, we're the right call.
What's included in this service?
- Professional long-reach lockout kits for all major vehicle makes
- Air-wedge and lever entry for tight or damaged door frames
- Push-button-start vehicle lockouts (we get the door open, you grab the key)
- Trunk-only lockouts and rear-hatch entry on SUVs and crossovers
- Lockouts at home, in parking lots, at the beach, on the freeway shoulder
- If the key is broken in the ignition or door, we tow to a locksmith
- If a window is broken or the lock is damaged, we coordinate with a glass company
- Discretion and verification - we confirm you own the vehicle before opening
When do you need this service?
- Keys locked inside the car at home, work, store, or restaurant
- Keys locked in the trunk and the rear seat does not fold down
- Push-button-start car with the key fob locked inside
- Toddler or pet locked in the car (call 911 first, then us)
- After a beach day, keys locked in the car at the parking lot
- Key fob battery is dead and the manual key inside the fob is locked in the car
- Working AAA card but the wait time is over an hour and you need to get home
- After-hours and the locksmith wants $200+ for a service call
What do homeowners ask about Car Lockout?
How much does a car lockout cost in San Diego?
Quick Tow SD's flat-rate lockout is $75 for a standard call. Locksmiths in San Diego typically charge $125-$250 for the same service, often with an after-hours upcharge that doubles the price. We charge $75 day or night, weekday or weekend, no surcharges.
Are tow companies allowed to unlock cars?
Yes - it is a routine roadside service in California. We verify ownership (driver license + registration or a clear vehicle-to-driver match) before opening any door. We do not pick locks, we do not duplicate keys, and we do not work on cars where ownership is unclear. For an abandoned-vehicle situation, we follow CVC 22650-22669 procedures.
What if I have a push-button-start car?
We can still open the door. Push-button-start vehicles use a key fob that has to be inside the car for the car to start, but the door lock itself is mechanical or uses a passive entry sensor. Either way, our long-reach tools open the door. Once the door is open, you grab the fob and start the car normally.
Can you make me a new key?
No - we open doors, we don't program keys. If your key is lost, broken, or stolen, the right call is an automotive locksmith or your dealer. We can open the door so you can reach your spare, but if there is no spare, you need a locksmith next.
What if a child or pet is locked in the car?
Call 911 first. SDPD and SDFD will break a window if a child or pet is in danger from heat or distress. Once first responders are on scene, call us as a non-destructive backup - we may arrive in time to open the door without breaking a window. Never wait on us if a child is in immediate danger.
Will you damage my car?
We use professional automotive lockout tools designed not to damage paint, weatherstripping, or door electronics. In rare cases an air-wedge can leave a faint mark on weatherstripping that wipes off. We've opened tens of thousands of cars; the damage rate is effectively zero.
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.
Broke down on the 5 at 1 a.m. Dispatcher answered on the first ring, gave me a real ETA, and the flatbed showed up 35 minutes later. Driver walked me through the load and I was home by 3. Exactly what I needed.
Our 26-foot rental truck died halfway through a move. Called three companies; Quick Tow was the only one who picked up. Heavy wrecker was onsite in under an hour and they dropped the truck exactly where we needed.
Model Y wouldn't shift out of park. They rolled up with a low-clearance flatbed, knew exactly what button combo puts it in transport mode, loaded with soft straps. No drama, no scratches, no nonsense.
Need car lockout in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.