Locked out of your car? Here is what to do
Every make, opened without damage. The one thing not to do is start levering the door.
We open locked cars without damaging them — every make, European and Chinese included, whether the key is inside, in the boot, or lost altogether. This is part of our 24 hour emergency service, and we agree the price with you before we come. If the key is gone for good, we can make a new one at the car for the makes we cover (see car key replacement). If a child or an animal is shut in the car, call 000 first.
- Makes
- Every make, opened without damage
- Hours
- 24 hour emergency service
- If someone is inside
- Call 000 first, then us
First, do no damage
If a child or a pet is inside
Call 000. On a hot Perth day the inside of a car becomes dangerous far faster than most people expect, and emergency services will get in immediately. Do not wait for a locksmith, and do not wait for us to call you back. Ring them, then ring us if you still need the car opened properly afterwards.
Leave the coathanger where it is
The old trick of a wire down the window seal belonged to cars built forty years ago. A modern door is full of wiring looms, airbag sensors, window regulators and weather seals, and the repair bill for a punctured loom or a torn seal is many times what the opening costs. Slim jims do the same damage. We open cars with proper tools designed for the purpose, and it does not mark the car.
Check the obvious first
Try every door and the boot, and check whether a spare set is somewhere reachable — at home, with a partner, in a desk at work. If a spare is ten minutes away, that is the cheapest option and we will say so.
Keys locked in the boot
Easy to do, especially with a boot that closes itself or a push-button car where the key was put down for a second. We open the car and get the boot open. It can happen anywhere: a shopping centre car park, the beach, a sports ground on a Saturday.
If the key is lost rather than locked in
Then it is two jobs: get into the car, and get it started. We can do both at the car for Japanese, Korean and most American-built makes. For European and Chinese cars we open them, but the key will need to come from a dealer or a specialist — except a Volkswagen spare, which we can do if you still have a working key.
What we will need
Photo identification and something showing the car is yours. We check it before we open anything.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
Will opening the car damage it?
No. We use tools made for the job and open cars without marks. The damage we do see is nearly always from someone trying a coathanger first.
My keys are locked in the boot. Can you get them?
Yes. We open the car without damage and get the boot open.
Can you open European cars?
Yes. We open European cars where they are parked, without damage. Making keys for them is a different matter.
Do you come out at night?
Yes, we run a 24 hour emergency service. After hours costs more than business hours, and the price is agreed before we come.
My child is locked in the car. What do I do?
Call 000 straight away. Do not wait for a locksmith. On a hot day the car heats up quickly and emergency services will get in immediately.
What do I need to show you?
Photo ID and a document showing the car is yours, such as the registration papers. We check it on every job.