Locked Keys in Your Car? A London Driver’s Rescue Guide
You can see them. Right there on the seat — or dangling from the ignition. The door is shut, it is locked, and your keys are locked in the car. It is a sinking feeling every London driver has experienced at least once. Maybe you are standing in a Masonville Mall parking lot, outside your office on York Street, or on the side of the 401 at midnight. Wherever you are in London, Ontario, this guide answers the questions running through your head right now: Who do I call? Can a tow truck actually unlock my car? How much is this going to cost? And how fast can someone get here?
🔑 Need Help Right Now?
Yes, a tow truck can unlock your car. London Towing sends a technician to your exact location — parking lot, driveway, highway — and unlocks your door without damage in under 15 minutes. Available 24/7, no membership needed.
Call now: (519) 914-3677 — average arrival in under 30 minutes.
Can a Tow Truck Unlock My Car?
Yes — and it is one of the most common services tow truck companies provide. This surprises many people who assume tow trucks only tow. In reality, most professional tow truck operators carry the same lockout tools that locksmiths use: air wedges, long reach tools, and Lishi picks.
The advantage of calling a tow truck for locked keys in your car versus a locksmith is speed. Tow trucks are already on the road, spread across the city through GPS dispatch. A locksmith drives from a single shop location — often 30 to 90 minutes away. London Towing’s average response time for a lockout is under 25 minutes because there is almost always a truck nearby.
The process takes about 5 to 15 minutes once the technician arrives. A padded air wedge creates a small gap at the top of the door, a long reach tool slides through the gap and presses the unlock button from inside. No scratches, no bent frame, no broken window. Your car looks exactly the same as before.
Who Can Unlock My Car in London?
You have several options when you find your keys locked in the car. Here is who can help and how they compare — so you can make the fastest, cheapest decision while standing in that parking lot.
How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Car?
This is the first question every driver asks — and the answer depends on who you call, what time it is, and what type of lock your vehicle has. Here is an honest breakdown of car unlock prices in London, Ontario.
For full pricing on all towing and roadside services, see our tow truck cost guide. For tips on reducing costs, read our affordable towing guide.
What to Do Right Now (Step by Step)
You are standing outside your car. Keys are inside. Here is exactly what to do — in order — to get back in as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Check all doors and the trunk. Try every handle. Check if a window is cracked open. Some vehicles have a trunk release or rear hatch that might still open. This takes 30 seconds and costs nothing.
Check for a hidden key blade in your fob. Most modern key fobs have a small physical key hidden inside — look for a release latch on the back or side of the fob. If you have the fob on you (but the car locked with the spare key inside), this blade opens the driver’s door.
Call someone with your spare key. If a friend, family member, or roommate has your spare and is within 20 minutes, this is the fastest free solution. Make the call before paying for a service.
Check your car’s app. Many newer vehicles — Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, GM — have smartphone apps that can remotely unlock doors. Check your phone for your manufacturer’s app. If you set it up previously, you can unlock the car in seconds.
Call London Towing at (519) 914-3677. If none of the above worked, call a professional. A technician arrives in under 30 minutes and opens your door without damage for $75 to $125. Available 24/7, no membership or subscription needed.
🚨 Child or Pet Inside? Call 911 First.
If a child, baby, or animal is locked inside the vehicle — especially in hot or cold weather — call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency. Emergency responders can legally break a window. Do not wait for a tow truck or locksmith. Every minute counts. Once the child or pet is safe, call London Towing to handle the vehicle.
Keys Locked Inside? We Get You Back In — Fast.
Under 30 Minutes. Under $125. No Damage.
24/7 car unlock service across London, Ontario. No membership, no surcharges.
(519) 914-3677
Why You Should Never Try to Break Into Your Own Car
When your keys are locked in the car, the temptation to grab a coat hanger, wedge, or screwdriver is strong. Resist it. Here is what happens when drivers try DIY entry methods on modern vehicles.
A professional unlock costs $75 to $125 and causes zero damage. A failed DIY attempt costs $200 to $1,000+ in repairs — plus you still need to call someone to actually open the door. The math is clear.
Where London Drivers Lock Their Keys Most Often
Based on the locked keys in car calls London Towing receives, these are the most common lockout locations in London — and specific tips for each.
🏬 Masonville Place / White Oaks Mall. The most common call location. You set bags down, auto-lock kicks in. Mall security cannot unlock your car, but they can help you stay safe while you wait. We arrive in about 20 minutes to these locations.
🏥 Victoria Hospital / University Hospital. Hospital visitors often lock keys in the car while distracted. Parking lots are well-lit and patrolled. Tell the parking attendant — they can direct our truck to your exact location.
🎓 Western University / Fanshawe College. Students rushing between classes frequently lock keys inside. Campus parking lots are large — share your lot number or closest building when you call so we find you faster.
🏠 Your Own Driveway. Surprisingly common — you run inside to grab something, the auto-lock engages, and you are locked out at home. The good news: you are safe, so there is no rush. We will be there quickly, but you can wait comfortably inside your house.
🛣️ Highway 401 / 402 Shoulder. The most dangerous lockout location. Stay inside the vehicle if possible or stand behind the guardrail. Turn on hazards. Call (519) 914-3677 and do not attempt to flag down traffic. London Towing carries LED safety equipment to protect you during roadside service. Ontario’s Tow Zone Pilot Program ensures regulated response on designated highway sections.
How to Make Sure This Never Happens Again
Once you have recovered from the locked keys in car scare and you are back inside your vehicle, take five minutes to set up these safeguards. Future-you will be grateful.
🔑 Get a Spare Key Made
A basic mechanical spare costs $5 to $20 at a hardware store. A transponder key costs $50 to $150. Give it to someone you trust or hide it at home — not in the car.
📱 Set Up Your Car’s App
Download your manufacturer’s app (Toyota Connected, FordPass, MyHyundai, OnStar) and connect it now. Remote unlock takes seconds and costs nothing.
🔋 Replace Fob Battery Yearly
Dead fob batteries cause “phantom lockouts” where the car does not recognize the signal. A CR2032 battery costs under $5 and takes 30 seconds to swap.
📞 Save This Number Now
Add (519) 914-3677 to your contacts as “London Towing” before you need it. Calm decisions save money. Our full lockout guide has more prevention tips.
Why Modern Cars Make Lockouts Harder (and Easier)
Harder: Modern vehicles have increasingly sophisticated anti-theft systems — transponder chips, encrypted key fobs, proximity sensors, and electronic lock modules. These systems make it nearly impossible for amateurs to unlock a car without the right tools. The slim jim technique that worked on 1990s cars will damage the electronics inside a modern door panel.
Easier: The same technology that makes cars harder to break into also provides new recovery options. Smartphone apps can remotely unlock many newer vehicles. OnStar (GM), FordPass, Toyota Connected, Hyundai Blue Link, and Kia Connect all offer remote unlock features. Some premium insurance plans include remote unlock assistance through the manufacturer.
Even with these digital options, a professional service call remains the most reliable backup when you have locked keys in your car. Apps require an internet connection, a pre-existing account, and a charged phone — none of which are guaranteed during an emergency. According to Transport Canada, always having a backup entry plan for your vehicle is part of basic road safety preparedness.
Car Unlock Service Across London & Surrounding Areas
London Towing responds to locked keys calls across every London neighbourhood — Downtown, Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, White Oaks, Old East Village, Westmount, Lambeth, and Argyle.
We also provide lockout service in St. Thomas, Woodstock, Dorchester, and Strathroy. Need other roadside assistance? We also handle battery boosts, tire changes, fuel delivery, and 24-hour towing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Locked Keys in Cars
Can a tow truck unlock my car?
Yes. London Towing’s technicians carry the same professional lockout tools that locksmiths use — air wedges, long reach tools, and Lishi picks. A tow truck unlock is typically faster and cheaper than calling a locksmith because our trucks are already on the road across London with GPS dispatch.
How much does it cost to unlock a car in London, Ontario?
London Towing charges $75 to $125 for a car unlock — the same rate day and night with no after-hours surcharges. Locksmiths typically charge $100 to $250+, with higher prices at night. DIY attempts that fail often result in $300 to $1,000+ in vehicle damage.
Who can unlock my car besides a locksmith?
Tow truck companies with lockout tools (like London Towing), CAA roadside assistance (with membership), your vehicle’s manufacturer app (if previously set up), or anyone with your spare key. Police do not typically unlock cars for non-emergencies — they will refer you to a professional service.
How long does it take to unlock a car with locked keys?
Once our technician arrives, most cars are unlocked in 5 to 15 minutes. High-security vehicles may take slightly longer. Average arrival time in London is under 30 minutes from when you call, so total time from call to back inside your car is typically 30 to 45 minutes.
Will unlocking my car set off the alarm?
It might. Opening a car without the original key signal can trigger the factory alarm on some models. This is normal and harmless. Once you retrieve your keys and use the fob to disarm the alarm, it stops immediately. Our technician can guide you through it.
Can the police unlock my car for free?
Generally, no. London Police Service does not provide car unlock services for non-emergency situations. They will respond if a child or pet is locked inside, as that constitutes an emergency. For standard lockouts, they will advise you to call a tow truck or locksmith.
My car has push-button start — can you still unlock it?
Yes. Push-button start vehicles are unlocked using the same professional tools as traditional key vehicles. The air wedge and reach tool access the interior unlock button regardless of the ignition type. If the fob is locked inside, our technician opens the door and you retrieve the fob normally.
Do I need to prove the car is mine?
A reputable unlock service will verify that the person requesting entry matches the vehicle. Typically, the technician confirms your ID matches the registration or insurance documents inside the vehicle. This is a standard safety practice to prevent unauthorized entry.
Is it cheaper to call a tow truck or a locksmith for locked keys?
A tow truck is typically cheaper. London Towing charges $75 to $125 flat — no matter the time. Most locksmiths charge $100 to $175 during the day and $175 to $300+ at night. The tow truck is also usually faster due to having multiple trucks already dispatched across the city.
What if the car is running with the keys locked inside?
This happens more often than you would think — especially in winter when drivers leave the engine running for heat. The unlock process is the same. Our technician opens the door, you retrieve the keys, and the engine keeps running throughout. No additional charge for a running vehicle. If the car has been running in an enclosed space like a garage, call 911 first due to carbon monoxide risk.
Locked Keys? 24/7 Unlock Service — No Membership Needed
We Will Be There in Under 30 Minutes.
$75 – $125 flat rate. No after-hours surcharges. Damage-free unlock for all vehicles.
(519) 914-3677