If you are locked out of your house, the best first step is to stay calm and check for easy, low-risk ways to get back inside, like an unlocked door or a spare key. If you cannot get in quickly, the safest and most reliable solution is to immediately call a licensed emergency locksmith. You should avoid trying to force your way in, as breaking a window or door often costs far more in repairs than a professional lockout service. This guide explains how to get back inside safely and how to prevent future lockouts using modern security like keyless entry systems.
What Should You Do First When You Realize You’re Locked Out
The first step is to take a deep breath and stay calm, because rushing can lead to costly mistakes. When you realize you are locked out of your house, it is easy to panic. However, your panic can cloud your judgment and lead you to try risky actions like breaking a window.
Instead, spend your first few minutes taking stock of the situation and prioritizing safety. Consider the weather and the time of day, as external factors affect how urgent your situation is.
Perform a Full Perimeter Check
You should walk around the entire property and check every window and door to see if any are unlocked. Walk the full perimeter of your house, checking every potential entry point. This includes the back door, any side entrances, and all first-floor windows.
Even if you remember locking everything, there is a chance someone forgot one spot. Finding an unlocked point is the fastest and most convenient way to solve the problem.
Who Should You Contact If You’re Locked Out and No Entry Point Is Open
You should immediately contact family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors who have a copy of your house key. If the perimeter check fails, your next best option is your social network. Contact anyone you live with to see if they can come home. If you have given a spare key to a close neighbor or nearby relative, call them to see how quickly they can arrive and assist with the lockout service.
Use a Hidden Spare Key Safely
If you have a spare key hidden outside, use it, but remember that obvious hiding spots are known to burglars.If you keep a key outside, retrieve it. However, it is important to remember that hiding a key in plain sight—such as under a doormat, in a flowerpot, or above a door frame—can compromise your home security. The safest method for storing a spare key outside is using a small, securely bolted key box with a unique code lock.
Key Renter Advice: Call Your Landlord First
If you are a renter, you must contact your landlord, rental office, or maintenance staff before attempting to enter the property yourself.
This rule is important for two reasons. First, your landlord often has a master key and can grant access quickly. Second, if you cause damage by breaking a lock or kicking in a door, you may be held responsible for the repair costs under your lease. Seeking permission first prevents you from having to pay for an expensive, unforeseen repair later.
When Should You Call an Emergency Locksmith for a Lockout?
If the low-risk steps fail, calling an emergency locksmith is the safest and most efficient solution to regaining entry.
What is Non-Destructive Entry?
Can a locksmith unlock my door without breaking the lock?
Yes, a licensed locksmith is trained to use specialized tools and techniques for non-destructive entry, meaning they can open the door without causing damage to the lock or the door frame.
Locksmiths are professionals who possess the training and tools necessary to open even complex locks, including modern electronic systems. The goal is always non-destructive entry, which means they use precise methods like lock picking to get you inside without needing to drill or break any part of your lock.
Locksmith Cost Expectations (Standard vs. Emergency)
A professional lockout service involves a standard fee for service, but this cost increases for emergency hours. Locksmiths charge a standard fee for service during business hours. However, users should know that emergency, night, weekend, or holiday calls usually include a significant surcharge.
These rush fees mean the total cost of a lockout service will be higher than a standard appointment, reflecting the professional speed and expertise required for safe re-entry.
The Verification Requirement: Why Your ID is Necessary
A legitimate, professional locksmith must ask for proof that you live at the property, such as a photo ID.Reputable locksmiths will prioritize security and ethics by confirming your identity before opening the door. You should be prepared to show a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) with an address that matches the property.
If your address is outdated, they may accept secondary documents, such as a recent utility bill. If a locksmith tries to open your door without asking for any verification, consider it a serious warning sign and call someone else.
Is It Safe to Try Opening Your Own Lock?
Using tools like a credit card or a bobby pin usually fails on modern locks and can lead to expensive damage.
Many guides suggest methods like using a flexible plastic card to open a spring latch. This rarely works on today’s secure locks, and you will likely just ruin the card. Similarly, trying to pick the lock with a bobby pin requires skill and tools. If you are too aggressive, you could permanently damage the internal lock mechanism, turning a simple lockout into a much more expensive lock repair.
Why Is Breaking In More Expensive Than Calling a Locksmith
Breaking a window or kicking in a door is significantly more costly than hiring a locksmith. The fee for a professional locksmith is a manageable expense for safe access. Compare this to the high cost of forced entry:
Minor door frame repairs or replacing an exterior door frame can lead to a high cost. If the damage requires replacing an entire high-security entry door and frame, the expense can be extremely high. Choosing a professional is far cheaper than the destructive actions of breaking in.
When to Call 911 (Actual Emergencies Only)
You should only call 911 if there is a true, life-threatening emergency inside the house, such as a fire or a medical event.
Routine lockouts do not qualify for emergency services. Police and fire departments cannot assist with simple lockouts. If there is no imminent danger, call an emergency locksmith.
Preventing Lockouts Forever
The best way to prevent future lockouts is by installing a keyless entry system.
A keyless entry system, or smart lock, allows you to use a programmed code or a smartphone app for entry, meaning you never need a physical key.Since electronic locks cannot be picked using basic tools like bobby pins, they also provide a clear advantage in security against simple intrusion.
Safe Key Management Plan
Give a spare key to a trusted contact, and make it a habit to check for your keys before you leave. The goal of long-term prevention is a reliable backup plan. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member.
For on-property storage, use a securely anchored key safe. You should also work on making it a routine to check for your keys, wallet, and phone before closing the door. If you lost your keys, you should have your locks updated through rekeying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do if I’m locked out?
The first thing to do if you lock yourself out is to take a moment to stay calm. Then, walk around the entire house and check all windows and doors for one that may have been left unlocked. This is the fastest way to get back inside.
Is it safe to try and pick my own lock?
No, it is generally not safe to try and pick your own lock if you are untrained. Attempting to pick a lock with household items like a paper clip or a credit card is unlikely to work on modern locks and often results in damaging the lock, which creates a more costly repair. If you can pick the lock easily, it is a sign that your security is inadequate and you need immediate rekeying or a lock upgrade.
How long does it take for a locksmith to arrive?
The arrival time for an emergency locksmith can vary depending on traffic, time of day, and how busy they are. While the actual lockout service may be quick, the wait for them to arrive may be longer during rush hours or late at night.
How much does it cost to unlock the house?
A standard residential lockout service involves a professional fee. If the call is an urgent, after-hours emergency, the price will be significantly higher due to rush charges and specialized timing.
