Will Auto Insurance Pay for a Locksmith?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Usually, auto insurance will pay for a locksmith only if you have roadside assistance (sometimes called towing & labor or emergency road service). If you don’t have that add-on, you’ll typically pay out of pocket—unless you have a separate membership plan (like AAA), a credit card benefit, or an automaker’s roadside program.

Below is exactly when car insurance covers locksmith services, what it usually pays, and what to do if you don’t have roadside coverage.

• Auto insurance usually pays for a locksmith only if you have roadside assistance (also called towing & labor or emergency road service).
• Roadside lockout benefits may be dispatch-based (they send help) or reimbursement-based (you pay first, then submit a receipt).
• Roadside assistance typically covers unlocking the car—not replacing lost keys or programming a new key fob.
• If you don’t have roadside assistance, you’ll generally pay out of pocket unless you have AAA, a credit card roadside perk, or an automaker roadside plan.

When Will Auto Insurance Pay for a Locksmith?

In most cases, lockout help is a roadside assistance benefit. Roadside assistance is designed for non-accident emergencies where you need help at your location—think tows, flat tires, jumpstarts, fuel delivery, and lockouts after roadside breakdowns.

If you have the roadside add-on, your insurer typically handles lockouts in one of two ways:

• Dispatch service: You call the insurer’s roadside number/app, and they send a provider (locksmith or roadside tech) to unlock the car.
• Reimbursement: You pay the locksmith and submit the receipt to your insurer for repayment (up to your plan’s limit).

Roadside assistance is usually an inexpensive car insurance add-on, but the exact benefits and dollar limits vary by company and state—so it’s worth checking your declarations page or app to confirm what your plan includes.

What If I Don’t Have Roadside Assistance Coverage?

If you don’t have roadside assistance on your auto policy, your insurer usually won’t pay for a locksmith. Lockouts are typically treated as a convenience service—not an accident loss—so they don’t fall under collision or comprehensive coverage.

You still have options, though:

• Pay a locksmith directly (fastest option in many areas).
• Use a membership plan like AAA, or see if your credit card includes roadside benefits.
• Check your automaker/warranty: many new vehicles include limited roadside assistance for a few years.
• Use on-demand roadside if you want help without changing your insurance policy, such as Urgent.ly.

What Roadside Assistance Usually Covers (Besides Lockouts)

Roadside assistance typically covers small emergencies that get you moving again or get your vehicle to a shop. Common benefits include:

• Lockout service (unlocking your car)
• Towing (up to a mileage or dollar limit)
• Battery jumpstarts
• Emergency fuel delivery

Important: Roadside plans almost always have limits. For example, towing may be limited by miles or by dollars per service call, and lockout coverage may be capped (like $50–$100 per event). Your policy will spell out the exact cap.

Will Insurance Pay to Replace a Lost Key or Key Fob?

Lockout service and key replacement are not the same thing. Roadside coverage usually pays to unlock the vehicle—not to cut and program new keys.

If you’ve lost your keys, you’ll want to check whether your insurer offers a separate endorsement for key replacement or whether you’ll pay out of pocket. Modern key fobs can be expensive to replace, especially if programming is required. Here’s what to expect: car key replacement cost.

If you’re specifically dealing with missing keys (not a lockout), this guide may help: will auto insurance pay for lost keys?

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost for a Car Lockout?

Lockout costs vary by city, time of day, and how complex your vehicle’s locking system is. Many drivers pay somewhere in the $50–$150 range for a basic car unlock during normal hours, while after-hours or emergency service can cost more. If you’re far from town, travel fees can also increase the bill.

Because prices swing so much, it’s smart to ask the locksmith for an all-in estimate (service call + labor) before they dispatch.

Do I Have to Use the Insurer’s Locksmith?

Sometimes. If your plan works by dispatch, your insurer will send someone from their network. If your plan is reimbursement-based, you may be able to choose your own provider—but the insurer may require:

• a detailed, itemized receipt
• proof of payment
• reasonable charges (up to the plan limit)

If you go outside the network, keep documentation and confirm reimbursement rules before you pay.

Common Reasons Drivers Get Locked Out

Lockouts happen to everyone. The most common scenarios include:

• Keys locked in the car
• Dead key fob battery
• Faulty key fob or damaged key
• Worn or jammed lock
• Keys missing after a theft attempt (and related coverage questions, like does car insurance cover theft)

FAQs: Will Auto Insurance Pay for a Locksmith?

Final Word: Does Auto Insurance Cover a Locksmith?

Most of the time, auto insurance covers a locksmith only through roadside assistance. If you have roadside coverage, you may get dispatch service or reimbursement (often with a per-event cap). Without roadside assistance, you’ll usually pay out of pocket—unless you have help from AAA, a credit card perk, or your vehicle’s roadside program.