Will Allstate Help Me If I Lock My Keys in My Car?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

If you’ve locked your keys in your car, Allstate may be able to help—either through optional roadside coverage on your auto policy or through a pay-per-use roadside dispatch. This guide explains what to expect, what’s usually covered, and the smartest next steps.

For a broader look at the company (rates, discounts, complaints, and coverage options), see our Allstate auto insurance review.

Lockout Help Is Usually Available: Allstate can typically dispatch help through roadside coverage or offer pay-per-use service even if you don’t have an Allstate policy.
Entry Help, Not Key Replacement: Lockout assistance is generally meant to regain entry—cutting/programming new keys and repairing locks are usually separate costs.
Limits Matter: Many roadside plans have service-call limits, caps, and vehicle restrictions, so check your policy or membership terms.
Have a Backup Plan: A spare key strategy and automaker remote-unlock options can save time and reduce the need for emergency dispatch.

Table Of Contents

What To Do First When You’re Locked Out
Will Allstate Help If I Lock My Keys In My Car?
How Allstate Lockout Service Typically Works
What Lockout Assistance Usually Covers
Common Limitations to Know Before You Request Service
Other Options for Unlocking Your Car
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost for a Car Lockout?
How To Avoid Getting Locked Out Again
Final Word
FAQs on Allstate Lockout Help

What To Do First When You’re Locked Out

Confirm it’s a lockout: Check every door, the trunk/hatch, and whether a window is slightly open.
Make it safe: If a child or pet is locked inside—or the car is running in a closed space—treat it as an emergency and call 911.
Look for a spare: A family member, roommate, or rideshare can often deliver a spare key faster than a dispatch.
Use your automaker app (if you have one): Many vehicles can unlock remotely through the manufacturer’s app or connected services.
Then decide: Roadside coverage, pay-per-use dispatch, or a local locksmith.

Quick tip: If you regularly drive with only one key/fob, consider getting a spare made before you need one—replacement fobs can require programming and can take time.

Will Allstate Help If I Lock My Keys In My Car?

Yes—Allstate can typically help with a vehicle lockout in two main ways:

Roadside coverage you already have (either as an add-on to your Allstate auto policy or via a roadside membership plan).
Pay-per-use service you purchase at the time you need help, even if you don’t have an Allstate policy.

At-A-Glance: Allstate Lockout Help Options

Option	Who It’s For	Typical Cost When You Need Help	Notes
Roadside Add-On (Auto Policy)	Drivers who want occasional lockout/tow help bundled with their insurance	Usually no out-of-pocket charge for a covered service call (limits may apply)	Availability, limits, and pricing vary by state and policy.
Roadside Membership Plan	Drivers who want a separate membership-style roadside plan	Usually covered up to plan limits	Plan tiers often differ by towing distance and number of service calls.
Pay-Per-Use Dispatch	Anyone who needs help right now (no plan required)	You pay the quoted price for the service	Pricing can vary by location, time of day, and vehicle situation.

How Allstate Lockout Service Typically Works

In most cases, “lockout assistance” means a roadside professional is dispatched to help you regain entry to the vehicle. If you have a roadside benefit, the dispatch is usually handled through your insurer/membership process. If you don’t, you can request pay-per-use service online at Allstate Roadside.

Have your location ready and expect to verify you’re authorized to access the vehicle (for example, by showing ID/registration when the provider arrives). If you’re parked somewhere unsafe, move to a safer spot nearby and share that location instead.

What Lockout Assistance Usually Covers

Coverage details vary by plan and state, but lockout assistance generally focuses on getting you back into the car—not replacing keys or repairing locks.

Usually Included	Usually Not Included
Dispatch of a roadside pro to attempt entry	Cutting/programming a new key or key fob
Basic entry attempt (non-destructive when possible)	Lock repair or ignition repairs
Alternative solutions if entry isn’t possible (may involve towing depending on circumstances)	Any damage-related repairs (those are typically on you or handled under separate coverages)

Some lockouts can’t be resolved on-site without risking damage (for example, certain high-security systems). In those cases, towing or a dealership solution may be recommended.

Common Limitations to Know Before You Request Service

Service-call limits may apply: Many roadside plans cap how many rescues you can use in a membership year.
Dollar caps or mileage caps may apply: Especially for towing and specialty services.
Vehicle type restrictions: Coverage can differ for motorcycles, RVs, commercial vehicles, or vehicles used for deliveries.
Availability can vary: Rural areas, severe weather, and peak times can affect dispatch speed.

If you’re deciding whether to add coverage, see our breakdown of Allstate’s roadside assistance (what it covers, when it’s worth it, and what to compare).

Quick tip: If you’re using pay-per-use roadside dispatch, screenshot or save the quoted price and confirmation details—helpful if you need to follow up or dispute a mismatch.

Other Options for Unlocking Your Car

If you don’t have roadside coverage (or you’ve hit a service limit), you still have options:

Call a local locksmith: Often the fastest path in a city; confirm the full price (service call + labor + after-hours fees) before dispatch.
Try your automaker or dealer: Especially for newer cars with connected services or high-security key systems.
Use a membership you already have: For example, AAA lockout help may be available depending on your membership tier and local rules.
Check card or phone benefits: Some cards offer dispatch-style roadside perks; learn how Visa roadside assistance generally works.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost for a Car Lockout?

Locksmith pricing varies widely based on your location, the time of day, and your vehicle’s security system. Most quotes include a service-call fee plus labor, and after-hours or difficult-entry situations can cost more. When you call, ask for the all-in price and whether there are add-on fees for mileage, nights/weekends, or “high-security” vehicles.

How To Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

Keep a spare key plan: With a trusted person, or in a secure location (avoid obvious hiding spots on the vehicle).
Add a key tracker: Useful if you often misplace keys (but it won’t help if keys are locked inside).
Use habits that prevent lock-ins: For example, don’t close the driver door until you feel the key/fob in your pocket or bag.
Consider roadside coverage if this happens often: It may be cheaper than repeated locksmith calls, depending on your situation.

Final Word

Allstate can often help you get back into your car after a lockout—either through roadside coverage you’ve added to a policy, a separate membership plan, or a pay-per-use roadside dispatch. Because plan limits and availability vary by state and product, confirm the details in your policy documents or membership terms before relying on lockout help as your only backup.

FAQs on Allstate Lockout Help

Will Allstate unlock my car if I’m not an Allstate customer?

In many locations, yes. Allstate offers pay-per-use roadside dispatch options that can be available even if you don’t have an Allstate policy. Availability and pricing vary by location and situation, so confirm the quote and terms before ordering service.

Is lockout service free with Allstate roadside coverage?

Often, lockout assistance is covered when you have an eligible roadside benefit (either as a policy add-on or a membership plan), but service limits and caps can apply. Check your specific policy endorsement or membership plan for the exact rules in your state.

Does roadside lockout service replace lost keys or key fobs?

Typically, no. Lockout assistance usually focuses on getting you back into the vehicle. Replacing a lost key, cutting a new key, or programming a fob is usually handled by a locksmith or dealer and paid separately unless you have a different key/fob protection product.

What if the roadside provider can’t unlock the car without damage?

If entry isn’t possible quickly or safely, the provider may recommend towing to a shop or dealership. Whether towing is included depends on your roadside plan and the circumstances (and some plans have mileage or dollar caps).

Will using roadside assistance raise my insurance rates?

Roadside calls are often treated as a service benefit rather than a collision/Comprehensive claim, but insurers can still track usage patterns. If you’re concerned about premium impact, ask your agent how roadside events are recorded for your policy and state.

What should I do if a child or pet is locked in the car?

Treat it as an emergency. Call 911 immediately—especially in hot or cold weather. Roadside dispatch can help, but emergency responders may be able to act faster when there’s a safety risk.

What’s the fastest way to avoid future lockouts?

Have a spare-key plan (trusted person or secure storage), use an automaker remote-unlock feature if available, and build a habit of checking that your key/fob is on you before closing the driver door.