Will AAA Help If I Locked My Keys in My Car?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
If you lock your keys in your car, AAA can usually help you regain entry through its roadside network.
AAA’s vehicle lockout assistance is part of its broader roadside assistance coverage. In many situations, a dispatched provider can unlock your vehicle so you can retrieve your keys—often without a separate locksmith bill for a basic lockout.
Keep reading to understand what AAA lockout service typically includes, when you might pay out of pocket, and how to request help quickly.
- AAA Can Usually Help With Basic Lockouts: In many cases, AAA dispatches a provider to unlock your car so you can retrieve keys without a separate locksmith bill.
- Reimbursement Is Often for “Real Locksmith” Jobs: Lost, stolen, or broken keys may require paid locksmith work, and reimbursement (if available) depends on your club and membership level.
- Service Calls and Benefit Limits Apply: Lockout assistance typically counts as a roadside call, and memberships generally cap the number of calls and benefit limits per year.
- Modern Key Fobs Change the Game: AAA can often help you get back into the car, but key programming and replacement commonly require a dealer or specialized locksmith.
How AAA’s Vehicle Lockout and Key Services Work
AAA lockout assistance is designed for getting you back into your vehicle when you can’t access it. It’s similar to other auto locksmith coverage concepts you may see through insurers or membership programs—but the exact benefit details can vary by AAA club and membership level.
If you’re locked out, you can contact AAA and request dispatch to your location. A service provider may be able to unlock the door so you can retrieve your keys and continue your trip.
Common Reasons Members Request Lockout Help
- Locked keys in the car
- Lost keys
- Broken key or damaged key fob that prevents access
- Trunk-only lockouts (varies by vehicle design and what the provider can safely access)
Quick tip: If your car uses a smart key or push-to-start fob, AAA can often help you get into the vehicle—but key programming or replacement may still require a dealer or specialized locksmith.
What AAA Lockout Service Typically Covers (And When You May Pay)
AAA lockout benefits usually fall into two buckets: (1) basic entry assistance, and (2) reimbursement or partial reimbursement when a true locksmith job is required (for example, when keys are missing or broken). Your membership also typically has a limited number of roadside service calls per membership year, and lockouts can count toward that limit.
Lockout vs. Key Replacement: A Practical Breakdown
| Situation | What AAA May Do | What You May Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Keys locked inside | Dispatch provider to unlock the vehicle so you can retrieve keys | Often no separate charge for basic entry (subject to membership terms and service-call limits) |
| Keys lost or stolen | May coordinate locksmith service and provide reimbursement (varies by club/level) | Often pay the provider first, then submit receipts for reimbursement up to your plan limit |
| Broken key/fob | May help with access; replacement may require specialized service | Replacement or programming costs are usually out of pocket (reimbursement may apply up to plan limit) |
| Vehicle won’t run after entry | Roadside may shift to towing or other service based on membership benefits | Costs depend on tow distance/benefit limits and the reason the vehicle is inoperable |
If your vehicle becomes inoperable and needs to be moved, your membership towing benefit may apply—details vary by club and membership level, and you can review typical cost considerations here: AAA towing cost.
When a key must be replaced, modern transponder keys and smart fobs can be expensive. Here’s a realistic cost breakdown: car key replacement cost.
What AAA Usually Doesn’t Cover for Auto Locksmith Services
AAA lockout service is meant for safe, standard access and basic roadside situations. Depending on your vehicle and location, some specialized jobs may be excluded or may require you to pay the provider directly.
Common Exclusions and Limitations
- Key cutting, duplication, or full key programming (especially for smart keys and transponders)
- Ignition cylinder repairs or replacement
- Specialty anti-theft devices (wheel locks, steering wheel devices, aftermarket alarms) that require specialized service
- Access attempts that would risk damage to the vehicle (a provider may refuse if it can’t be done safely)
If a provider can’t safely gain access, AAA may recommend towing to a repair facility, and towing benefits would apply according to your membership terms.
AAA Membership Levels and Lockout Benefits
AAA membership levels are commonly described as a base tier plus upgrades (often called Plus and Premier). Because AAA is organized by regional clubs, exact pricing and benefit limits vary by location. The best way to compare is to look at your local club’s membership benefits page and confirm the lockout reimbursement and towing details.
What Typically Changes by Tier
| Feature | Base Tier | Plus / Premier Tiers |
|---|---|---|
| Lockout assistance | Usually includes basic entry assistance | Often includes higher reimbursement limits for locksmith-related costs |
| Towing benefit | Typically shorter included tow distance | Typically longer included tow distance |
| Other roadside perks | Core roadside services (fuel delivery, battery help, tire change) | May include enhanced trip interruption or other upgraded benefits |
Lockouts often happen alongside other roadside problems. For example, a flat tire can strand you just as effectively as a lockout—here’s what AAA typically does for AAA flat tire changes.
Quick tip: If you end up needing a reimbursable locksmith service, ask for an itemized receipt on-site. Reimbursement (when available) usually requires proof of payment and service details.
What to Do When You’re Locked Out of Your Vehicle
If you’re locked out, the goal is to get help safely and avoid unnecessary damage to your vehicle. Here’s a practical checklist:
- Confirm it’s a true lockout: check all doors and the trunk if it’s safe to do so.
- Move to a safe spot: if you’re stranded in traffic or an unsafe area, prioritize personal safety and call for emergency help if needed.
- Try your backup plan: if a friend/family member can bring a spare key quickly, that may be faster than dispatch.
- Request AAA service: provide your exact location, vehicle description, and callback number, and follow any instructions from dispatch.
In most routine lockouts, AAA can dispatch assistance and help you regain entry without a separate locksmith bill. If keys are missing, broken, or require programming, you may need a specialized locksmith or dealer support, and reimbursement may apply only up to your membership’s stated limits.
