Will GEICO Help Me If I Lock My Keys In My Car?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
Yes—GEICO may be able to help if you lock your keys in your car, but it typically depends on whether you added Emergency Road Service (ERS) to your policy. ERS is an optional add-on separate from standard auto coverages like liability, collision, and comprehensive.
This guide explains how GEICO lockout help works, what’s covered, what you might pay, and what to do if you’re not currently covered. For a broader look at the company, see our GEICO insurance review.
- ERS Is The Key Coverage: GEICO lockout help typically comes from Emergency Road Service (ERS), not standard auto insurance coverages.
- Know The Dollar Cap: Lockout service is commonly limited to a set amount (often $100), so you may pay the difference if the provider charges more.
- Request The Right Way: Using the GEICO app/online request process can reduce friction and helps ensure the service is billed correctly.
- Backup Options Matter: Credit card dispatch, AAA, warranties, and connected-car services can be solid alternatives if you’re not covered.
- How GEICO Helps With Car Lockouts
- What To Do Immediately If You Lock Your Keys In Your Car
- How To Request GEICO Lockout Service
- What GEICO Emergency Road Service Covers
- How Much Does It Cost To Unlock Your Car With GEICO?
- What If You Don’t Have ERS On Your GEICO Policy?
- Other Ways To Unlock Your Vehicle
- Will A Lockout Affect My Insurance Rates?
- Final Word
- FAQs on GEICO Lockout Help
How GEICO Helps With Car Lockouts
If you’ve added roadside coverage, GEICO can dispatch help for a lockout, usually through a contracted roadside provider. It’s designed for common situations like accidentally locking keys in the vehicle or having a key that won’t work to open the door.
To understand what GEICO’s roadside add-on includes and how it compares to other options, see our breakdown of GEICO roadside assistance coverage.
What To Do Immediately If You Lock Your Keys In Your Car
If you’re locked out, start with the safest, least expensive steps first. Here are the best moves (especially if you’re stuck in traffic, bad weather, or an unfamiliar area):
| Step | What To Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get to a safe location and verify the lockout. | Safety comes first—and it’s easy to assume keys are inside when they’re actually in a bag or pocket. |
| 2 | Check for a spare key option (family member, hidden spare, key box). | This is often the fastest and cheapest solution. |
| 3 | If you have roadside coverage, request help via GEICO ERS. | Dispatch is typically smoother when you go through the insurer’s roadside process. |
| 4 | If you don’t have ERS, compare alternatives (dealer app, credit card dispatch, locksmith). | You may still find discounted or fixed-fee options. |
| 5 | If you need more guidance, review this step-by-step resource on what to do when you lock your keys in your car. | Helps you choose the safest option based on your location, vehicle type, and urgency. |
Quick tip: If you’re in an unsafe spot (shoulder of a highway, isolated area, extreme temperatures), prioritize safety first—move to a secure location and call local help if needed.
How To Request GEICO Lockout Service
You generally have three ways to request help through GEICO’s Emergency Road Service:
- GEICO Mobile App: Request help in as little as a couple minutes, use GPS to share your location, and track the service provider.
- Online: If available for your policy, you can request assistance through your online GEICO account.
- Phone: Calling can be helpful if you can’t access the app or need to explain a tricky location.
GEICO also offers a quick app download option: you can text ROADSIDE to 43426 (GEICO) to receive a link. (Message and data rates may apply.)
You can learn more about ERS and request it directly here: GEICO Emergency Road Service (ERS).
What GEICO Emergency Road Service Covers
GEICO’s ERS typically covers common roadside problems, including lockouts. Coverage details (and names of coverages) can vary by state, and limits are governed by your policy contract.
| Roadside Service | What It Usually Includes |
|---|---|
| Towing | Typically to the nearest repair facility or according to your policy’s towing/mileage rules. |
| Battery Jumpstart | Help starting a dead battery (battery replacement is usually separate). |
| Tire Change | Installation of your usable spare (if you have one and it’s functional). |
| Lockout Service | Help getting back into your vehicle, commonly capped at $100 per incident. |
| Winching | Assistance if your vehicle is stuck on or immediately next to a publicly maintained roadway. |
| Fuel Delivery | Delivery to get you moving again (you may still pay for the fuel itself). |
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock Your Car With GEICO?
With ERS on your policy, GEICO advertises coverage “as low as $14/year per car,” though your actual price depends on your state, vehicle, and rating factors. For lockouts, the policy commonly includes a $100 limit—if the locksmith charges more than the cap, you’d typically pay the difference.
In many situations, the smoothest experience is requesting service through GEICO (app/online/phone). If you end up paying out of pocket, GEICO indicates you may be able to submit for reimbursement, subject to your coverage limits and documentation requirements.
Quick tip: If you hire a locksmith yourself, keep the invoice and payment receipt—reimbursement (when available) usually requires itemized documentation.
What If You Don’t Have ERS On Your GEICO Policy?
If you’re a GEICO customer but didn’t add ERS, it can still be worth contacting the company. GEICO notes that even without ERS, they may be able to help connect you with a local provider (and in some cases, negotiated rates may be available).
If you need the right contact details, use our GEICO customer service contact guide to reach the appropriate department.
Also remember: roadside service is usually an add-on you choose ahead of time. If you’re shopping coverage, ask whether ERS can be added immediately or only at renewal—rules can vary by state and policy.
Other Ways To Unlock Your Vehicle
Even without GEICO ERS, you may have lockout help through another membership or benefit. Common options include:
- AAA or another roadside membership: If you already have it, check your plan terms (see our guide on AAA lockout help).
- Credit card roadside dispatch: Many Visa cards offer pay-per-use Roadside Dispatch with a listed service-call fee (currently $79.95)—details here: Visa Roadside Dispatch benefit PDF.
- Manufacturer/dealer services: Some vehicles support remote unlock via connected services (learn more in our OnStar roadside assistance guide).
- Warranty or included roadside benefits: If your vehicle is still under warranty, roadside assistance may be included for a limited period.
- Local locksmith: If you’re paying out of pocket, ask for an upfront estimate and confirm any after-hours fees. (Here’s when auto insurance may pay for a locksmith.)
Will A Lockout Affect My Insurance Rates?
A roadside lockout request is generally different from an accident claim (no vehicle damage, no injuries, no liability investigation). That said, insurers can still track service usage, and frequent requests may affect underwriting decisions at renewal for some drivers.
If you’re concerned, check your declarations page or policy contract for how ERS is handled in your state. When in doubt, ask whether ERS calls are treated as “claims” for underwriting purposes—policies and state rules can differ.
Final Word
GEICO can help with a locked-keys-in-car situation through Emergency Road Service (ERS), which is marketed as low-cost add-on coverage and includes lockout services up to a set dollar limit (commonly $100). For the best experience, request service through the GEICO app, online, or by phone.
If you don’t have ERS, you still have options: a spare key, a local locksmith, a roadside membership like AAA, a credit card dispatch benefit, or connected-car services through your dealer. Coverage terms and availability vary by state, so confirm your specific policy details.
