Being locked out is stressful. Start with safety, then gather the information a legitimate provider will need.
First, make the situation safe
- If a child, vulnerable person, fire, or medical emergency is involved, call emergency services first.
- Move to a well-lit place and avoid climbing, forcing a door, or damaging a vehicle.
- Check whether another authorized occupant, landlord, property manager, or roadside plan can help.
Before requesting locksmith work
Record the location, whether the door is closed or only latched, and whether a key is missing or broken. For a vehicle, note the year, make, model, and whether the key is inside, lost, or damaged. Do not send access codes, photographs of keys, or identity documents through an unverified channel.
Questions to ask
Ask who will arrive, what the service-call charge covers, how ownership will be checked, whether non-destructive entry is attempted first, and how additional work is approved. See what proof a locksmith may request and how quotes are formed.
Review urgent lockout requests or the vehicle-specific car lockout page, then use Check Availability if waiting for confirmation is appropriate.