Will Progressive Help Me If I Lock My Keys in My Car?
Last Updated on February 5, 2026
If you lock your keys in your car, Progressive may be able to send help—but only if you added Roadside Assistance (sometimes called “Emergency Roadside Assistance”) to your auto policy.
Progressive’s Roadside Assistance can arrange lockout service (typically through a third-party network) to get you back into your vehicle. Coverage is subject to your policy’s limits and local provider availability, so it’s smart to confirm the details in your declarations page or policy documents.
If you need immediate next steps, here’s a practical guide to follow when you lock your keys in your car.
- Roadside Is The Key Add-On: Progressive lockout help generally requires Roadside Assistance on your policy.
- Unlocking Isn’t Key Replacement: Lockout service is usually for entry only—new keys, fobs, and programming are typically extra.
- Limits Still Apply: Roadside benefits commonly have service and usage limits that can vary by state and policy term.
- Have A Backup Plan: A spare key, automaker app features, or a pay-per-use card benefit can be faster than waiting for a dispatch.
- Progressive Can Help With Car Lockouts If You Added Roadside Assistance
- How To Request A Lockout Service Through Progressive
- How Much Does It Cost To Unlock A Car?
- Will Using Roadside Assistance Affect My Insurance?
- Other Options If You Don’t Have Progressive Roadside Assistance
- How To Avoid Locking Your Keys In Your Car
- Final Word
- FAQs on Progressive Roadside Help for Locked Keys
Progressive Can Help With Car Lockouts If You Added Roadside Assistance
If you already carry Roadside Assistance, Progressive can generally arrange a service provider to unlock your vehicle when your keys are locked inside or lost. This is the same general concept discussed in whether auto insurance will pay for a locksmith—coverage typically comes from a roadside endorsement, not your base liability coverage.
Important: lockout service is usually intended to regain entry to the vehicle. If you need a replacement key or a modern key fob programmed, you’ll often pay out of pocket (either to a locksmith who handles transponder keys or to a dealership).
Progressive Roadside Assistance Coverage Highlights
| Service | What’s Typically Included | Common Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lockout Service | Dispatch to help unlock your vehicle | Usually entry only; replacement keys/fobs are typically extra |
| Towing | Tow to a nearby shop (often up to a set mileage) | You may pay mileage beyond the policy limit or for special towing situations |
| Winching | Pulling a vehicle from mud/snow/sand near a roadway | Often limited by distance from a maintained road |
| Jump Start | Attempt to start a dead battery | Battery replacement is generally not included |
| Fuel/Fluid Delivery | Delivery to get you moving again | You typically pay for the fuel itself |
| Flat Tire Service | Help installing your spare | Plan assumes you have a usable spare |
Quick tip: Roadside programs often cap how many covered events you can use within a rolling period (commonly tied to a six-month policy term). If you rely on roadside frequently, review your policy’s usage limit so you’re not surprised later.
How To Request A Lockout Service Through Progressive
When you’re locked out, speed and accuracy matter. In most cases, you’ll do best by requesting service through Progressive directly (or the service network they use), so the dispatch is tied to your coverage.
- Confirm Roadside Assistance is active on the vehicle you’re driving (your ID card, online account, or policy declarations can help).
- Request service through Progressive (mobile app/online tools) or by calling the roadside number listed on your policy documents.
- Share your exact location, vehicle details, and whether keys are inside the car, lost, or broken.
- Wait in a safe spot and be prepared to show identification and proof of vehicle ownership.
- Ask up front about any potential out-of-pocket costs (for example: replacement keys, special tools, or services beyond your policy limit).
If you already paid out of pocket for a locksmith and your policy allows reimbursement, Progressive also maintains a dedicated reimbursement portal: Progressive Roadside Reimbursements.
For Progressive’s overview of roadside and trip interruption coverage (including examples of covered services), see: Progressive Roadside Assistance & Trip Interruption.
Quick tip: If a child or pet is locked inside, your vehicle is running in a closed space, or you’re in an unsafe location, prioritize safety—call 911 or local emergency services first.
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock A Car?
If you have Progressive Roadside Assistance: the lockout dispatch itself is typically covered up to your roadside limits, but you could still pay for extras (like replacement keys, key fob programming, or nonstandard services).
If you don’t have roadside coverage: you’ll generally pay a locksmith directly. Progressive notes that vehicle unlock pricing commonly ranges from about $50 to $250 depending on your location and situation. See: Locked Keys In Car (Progressive).
You may also have a pay-per-use option through a card benefit. For example, Visa’s Roadside Dispatch benefit documentation lists a set fee per service call (and clarifies that lockout service doesn’t include key replacement). See: Visa Roadside Dispatch Guide To Benefits (PDF).
Will Using Roadside Assistance Affect My Insurance?
Roadside events are usually handled differently than accident claims—but they can still be tracked as service events. Insurers may consider frequent roadside usage during underwriting, renewal, or when deciding whether to continue offering optional roadside coverage. If you anticipate using roadside often, a standalone membership plan may be worth comparing.
If you’re deciding whether Progressive’s add-on is a good fit versus alternatives, see: Is Progressive’s Roadside Assistance Coverage Good?
Other Options If You Don’t Have Progressive Roadside Assistance
If you’re locked out and you don’t have the roadside add-on, you still have several realistic ways to get back in without damaging your vehicle.
| Option | Best For | What To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Spare Key (Friend/Family) | Fast, low-cost solutions | Often the cheapest option if someone can bring it quickly |
| Automaker App / Connected Services | Newer vehicles with remote unlock | May require an active subscription and a working cellular connection |
| Pay-Per-Use Card Benefit | Drivers who don’t want an annual plan | Some cards offer dispatch with a set fee per service call |
| Local Locksmith | Most lockouts, especially older vehicles | Confirm price and ETA; transponder/fob work may cost more |
| Dealer Assistance | Lost keys or advanced key fobs | Dealers can cut/program keys, but it can take time and may cost more |
If you want to explore card-based options in detail, here’s a breakdown of credit card roadside assistance and how it compares to insurance add-ons.
How To Avoid Locking Your Keys In Your Car
- Keep a spare key in a secure place (not inside the vehicle).
- Consider a magnetic key box only if you can place it discreetly and safely (risk varies by area).
- Enable key-fob alerts and auto-lock settings thoughtfully—some features increase lockout risk.
- If your car supports it, set up remote unlock through the manufacturer’s connected services app.
- When traveling, keep a copy of your key code (if available) somewhere safe in case you need a replacement.
Final Word
Progressive can help with a car lockout when you’ve added Roadside Assistance to your policy—typically by dispatching a provider to unlock your vehicle, subject to policy limits and availability. If you don’t have the add-on, your best alternatives are a spare key, an automaker remote unlock feature, a card benefit, or a local locksmith.
To confirm whether Roadside Assistance is on your policy (or what it would cost to add), use Progressive’s customer service number and ask about roadside limits, lockout coverage, and any usage caps in your state.
