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

Last Updated on October 15, 2026

By James Shaffer · Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 15, 2026 · How we fact-check

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.

1. 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.
2. Entry Help, Not Key Replacement: Lockout assistance is generally meant to regain entry—cutting/programming new keys and repairing locks are usually separate costs.
3. Limits Matter: Many roadside plans have service-call limits, caps, and vehicle restrictions, so check your policy or membership terms.
4. Have a Backup Plan: A spare key strategy and automaker remote-unlock options can save time and reduce the need for emergency dispatch.

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.

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

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. With roadside on an Allstate auto policy, Allstate says you file a claim for the service, and the coverage applies to named insureds in any car they are driving, but not when they ride as passengers. If you don’t have a roadside benefit, you can request pay-per-use service through Allstate’s roadside website, which Allstate says requires no Allstate policy.

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.

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. Allstate’s Roadside Assist and Roadside Advantage plans allow three rescues a year for the primary member and one household member, or five when more household members are added.
• Dollar caps or mileage caps may apply: Especially for towing and specialty services. Allstate’s Roadside Assist tows up to 15 miles and Roadside Advantage up to 25 miles.
• 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).

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.

My advice is to check your Allstate declarations page or membership card today so you know which kind of roadside help you have, if any. If you only lock yourself out once in a blue moon, a spare key with a neighbor or a local locksmith may cost less than a claim on your auto policy.

FAQs on Allstate Lockout Help

Sources

Checked October 15, 2026

• Allstate — Roadside Assistance
• Allstate — Roadside Membership Plans
• Allstate — Roadside Services