Locked Keys in Car? What to Do Before Calling a Locksmith in Montreal
You can see them right there on the driver’s seat β your keys, your phone, maybe even your wallet β and the doors are locked. Locked keys in car is one of the most frustrating and surprisingly common emergencies Montreal drivers face. The panic sets in fast, especially if it is freezing outside, you are in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, or your child or pet is inside. Before you shatter a window or pay $200 to a random car locksmith, take a breath. This guide walks you through every option available β from free DIY tricks that sometimes work, to understanding the real difference between calling a locksmith and calling a professional auto lockout service β so you make the smartest decision for your situation.
π Quick Action Guide
Child or pet inside? Call 911 immediately β this is a life-threatening emergency. Do not wait.
No emergency? Check all doors and the trunk first β one may be unlocked. Try your spare key, your car’s app, or OnStar/roadside if available.
Need professional help? Call (514) 483-6944 for 24/7 car unlocking service β damage-free entry, no appointment needed.
First Steps When You Lock Your Keys in the Car
Before calling anyone, take 60 seconds to check the obvious. You would be surprised how often one of these solves the problem for free:
Try every door and the trunk. Walk around the entire vehicle and pull every handle. Sometimes a rear door or trunk was not fully closed. On many sedans, you can fold the rear seats down from inside the trunk and reach the cabin.
Check for a spare key. Is there a spare in your purse, backpack, or coat pocket? Did you give one to a family member, roommate, or partner who could bring it to you? Many drivers forget they have a spare at home β a 20-minute wait for someone to bring it beats a $150 service call.
Try your car’s smartphone app. Many modern vehicles (2018+) have companion apps β Toyota Connected, FordPass, myChevrolet, BMW Connected Drive, Tesla app β that can remotely unlock your doors. If your phone is locked inside the car, borrow one or log in from a web browser.
Call OnStar, roadside assistance, or your dealer. If your vehicle has OnStar, SOS Connect, Hyundai BlueLink, or a similar telematic service, call them. They can often unlock your doors remotely with no wait and no charge if your subscription is active.
Check your auto insurance or credit card. Many Quebec auto insurance policies with roadside assistance endorsements cover lockout service. Some premium credit cards also include auto lockout coverage. One phone call could get you free help.
π‘ None of these worked? No problem. Call Montreal Towing at (514) 483-6944 for professional car unlocking service. Our technicians open your car without damage using professional tools β typically in under 5 minutes once on-site.
Car Locksmith vs Towing Company: Which Should You Call?
When you have locked keys in car, you have two main professional options. Here is how they compare:
The verdict: If your keys are visible inside the car and you just need the door opened, a roadside service company like Montreal Towing is typically faster, cheaper, and safer than a car locksmith. If you have actually lost your only key and need a replacement cut and programmed, then a locksmith or dealership is the right call.
How to Avoid Car Locksmith Scams in Montreal
The locksmith industry has a well-documented scam problem, and Montreal is no exception. Here is what to watch out for when you are desperate to get back into your car:
π© Red Flags of a Scam Locksmith:
β’ Quotes $15β$30 on the phone, then charges $150β$400 on-site (bait-and-switch)
β’ Arrives in an unmarked vehicle with no company branding
β’ Cannot show a business license or identification
β’ Wants to drill the lock immediately (unnecessary for a lockout β and damages the lock)
β’ Demands cash only β refuses to provide a written receipt
β’ Answers the phone with a generic “locksmith service” instead of a company name
The safest approach: call a company you can verify. The Quebec Office de la protection du consommateur recommends always getting a firm price quote before authorizing any work. Montreal Towing is a registered, established roadside assistance provider with a physical presence and verified reviews. When you call (514) 483-6944, you get honest pricing before the technician arrives β no surprises, no bait-and-switch.
How Professional Car Unlocking Works (Without Damage)
Wondering how a technician gets into a locked car without breaking anything? Here is the process:
Verify ownership. A legitimate technician will ask for your ID and vehicle registration (or at least your name and the vehicle’s license plate) before opening any car. This protects you and them.
Select the right tool. Most modern cars are opened using an inflatable air wedge (creates a small gap in the door frame) combined with a long-reach tool that presses the unlock button or pulls the interior handle. The technician selects the correct approach based on your vehicle’s make and model.
Open the door. The technician carefully creates a small gap along the door frame, inserts the long-reach tool, and activates the lock from inside. The entire process typically takes 2β5 minutes. No drilling, no broken glass, no damage to the paint, weatherstripping, or locking mechanism.
You retrieve your keys and drive away. No parts replaced, no damage repaired, no follow-up needed. The car functions exactly as it did before.
How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Locked Car in Montreal?
Costs vary significantly depending on who you call, the time of day, and whether you actually need a new key. Here is a realistic breakdown:
For full pricing on all roadside services, see our complete towing costs guide for Montreal (2026). If your auto lockout is covered by insurance, read our insurance towing guide to check your coverage.
Locked Out? We Open It Without Damage.
Professional car unlocking β 24/7 across Montreal. Fast, safe, no broken glass.
(514) 483-6944
Emergency Lockouts: Child, Pet, or Running Vehicle
Some lockout situations are genuine emergencies. Know how to respond:
π¨ Child or Infant Locked Inside
Call 911 immediately. In Quebec, first responders are authorized to break a window to rescue a child. On a hot summer day, interior temperatures can reach 50Β°C in minutes. On a cold winter day, hypothermia risk is real. Do not wait for a locksmith β every minute counts. If the child appears in distress and emergency services have not arrived, break the window furthest from the child using a hard pointed object on the corner of the glass.
πΎ Pet Locked Inside
In warm weather, call 911 or the Montreal SPCA at (514) 735-2711. Quebec law allows intervention to rescue an animal in danger. If the pet is visibly in distress (panting heavily, lethargic, or unresponsive), break the window and deal with the replacement cost later β a life is worth more than glass.
π Keys in Running Vehicle
If the engine is running with the keys locked inside, call for professional unlocking as your first option β breaking a window while the engine is running is riskier and messier. The car will eventually run out of fuel, but waiting hours is impractical. A professional can have you back inside in 20β40 minutes. Call (514) 483-6944 for fast dispatch.
DIY Methods to Unlock Your Car (And Why Most Don’t Work)
The internet is full of “life hacks” for unlocking cars. Here is the truth about the most common methods:
β οΈ Important: Attempting to open a car that is not yours β even to help β can look like a break-in. If someone asks you for help, suggest they call a professional. If police arrive while you are using tools on a car, things can get complicated fast.
How to Prevent Locking Your Keys in the Car
The best lockout is one that never happens. These simple habits eliminate the problem:
π Lockout Prevention Checklist
β Get a spare key made and give it to someone you trust (family, neighbour)
β Hide a spare key in a magnetic lock box attached under the vehicle (discreet location)
β Set up your car’s smartphone app for remote unlock (if available)
β Develop the habit: keys leave the car only in your hand or pocket β never set them down inside
β Use a carabiner to clip keys to your belt loop or bag
β Check your pockets before closing the door β make it an automatic routine
β If your car has auto-lock, learn to disable it or always keep a window cracked (in safe areas only)
β Save (514) 483-6944 in your phone as “Car Unlock / Emergency”
β Know your insurance β does your policy include lockout coverage?
β Keep a copy of your insurance card and emergency numbers in your wallet (not just in the car)
When a Dead Battery Causes a Lockout
Here is a scenario many Montreal drivers do not expect: your car battery dies while the doors are locked, and the power locks will not respond to your key fob. You have the key β but you cannot get in.
First, check for a physical key. Most modern key fobs contain a hidden mechanical key inside the fob casing. There is usually a small release button or slider on the fob. This physical key fits a traditional keyhole β often hidden behind a small cap on the driver’s door handle.
If there is no keyhole or the mechanical key does not work (some luxury vehicles), you need a professional to open the door using non-destructive tools, then boost the battery so the electronic systems function again.
This is one advantage of calling Montreal Towing instead of a standalone locksmith β we handle both the lockout and the dead battery in a single visit. No need to call two different services. For more on battery issues, read our guide to why car batteries die in Montreal and our jump start safety guide.
Other Roadside Services We Provide 24/7
Lockouts often happen alongside other problems. Montreal Towing handles all of them in one call:
π Battery boost β Dead battery caused the lockout? We open the door and boost the battery in one visit.
π Tire change β Flat tire and locked trunk? We unlock first, then swap your spare.
β½ Fuel delivery β Ran out of gas with your wallet locked inside? We solve both problems.
π Flatbed towing β If the lockout reveals a bigger problem that needs a shop visit.
π‘οΈ Insurance towing β Lockout service may be covered under your roadside assistance endorsement.
We serve every Montreal neighbourhood including Plateau, Old Montreal, Griffintown, CΓ΄te-des-Neiges, and the full service area.
Frequently Asked Questions: Locked Keys in Car
How much does it cost to unlock a locked car in Montreal?
A professional car unlocking service in Montreal typically costs $75 to $150 for a standard door unlock. Locksmiths may charge $100 to $250 or more, especially after hours. If you need a new key cut and programmed, expect $150 to $400 depending on the vehicle. Breaking a window costs $200 to $500 or more to replace and is only justified in emergencies.
Can a towing company unlock my car without a key?
Yes. Professional roadside assistance companies like Montreal Towing carry specialized non-destructive entry tools β air wedges and long-reach tools β that open car doors without keys and without damage. This method works on virtually all modern vehicles and is the same technique used by police and emergency services.
Will unlocking my car with a tool damage the door or lock?
When performed by a trained technician using proper tools, no. Professional-grade air wedges and long-reach tools are specifically designed to open car doors without damaging the paint, door frame, weatherstripping, or lock mechanism. DIY attempts with coat hangers or improvised tools, however, frequently cause damage to window tracks and lock rods.
Does auto insurance cover car lockout service in Quebec?
If you have a roadside assistance endorsement on your Quebec auto insurance policy, lockout service is typically covered. This is an optional add-on that costs $30 to $80 per year. Some premium credit cards also include lockout coverage. Standard liability-only insurance does not cover lockout service.
What should I do if my child is locked in the car?
Call 911 immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency, especially in extreme temperatures. In summer, a car’s interior can reach dangerous temperatures in under 10 minutes. In winter, hypothermia risk is real. First responders are authorized to break a window to rescue a child. Do not wait for a locksmith or roadside service in this situation.
Can I unlock my car with a smartphone app?
Many vehicles from 2018 and newer offer remote unlock through manufacturer apps such as FordPass, myChevrolet, Toyota Connected, BMW Connected Drive, and others. You need to have set up the app before the lockout occurs. If your phone is locked inside the car, you can log into the service from a web browser on any device or call the manufacturer’s connected services hotline.
How do I find the hidden key inside my key fob?
Most modern key fobs have a small release button or sliding mechanism on the back or side of the fob. Press or slide it to release a thin metal key blade. This physical key fits a traditional keyhole on the driver’s door handle β sometimes hidden behind a small plastic cap that pops off. Check your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle’s location.
Should I break my car window if I’m locked out?
Only if a child, pet, or vulnerable person is trapped inside and in visible distress with no help arriving soon. In all other situations, breaking the window is the most expensive option β $200 to $500 for replacement glass, plus potential damage to the door panel and electronics. A professional unlock costs a fraction of that and takes 20 to 40 minutes for arrival.
How long does it take for a car unlocking service to arrive in Montreal?
Montreal Towing’s average arrival time for car unlocking is 20 to 40 minutes depending on your location, traffic, and time of day. Once on-site, the actual unlocking process typically takes 2 to 5 minutes. Central neighbourhoods like Plateau, Old Montreal, and Griffintown tend to have the fastest response times.
Can the police help if I lock my keys in my car?
In most non-emergency situations, Montreal police (SPVM) will not unlock your car β they direct you to call a roadside service or locksmith. However, if a child, pet, or vulnerable person is locked inside, police will respond as an emergency and are authorized to force entry. For a standard lockout, calling a professional service is faster and more effective.
Locked Out? We’ll Get You Back In β Fast.
Professional car unlocking. No damage. No appointment. No surprises.
24/7 across Montreal β parking lots, driveways, and everywhere in between.
(514) 483-6944