What to Do If You're Locked Out of Your Car at Night

Updated September 7, 2026

A nighttime lockout can leave you outside in cold weather or an unfamiliar place. Find an appropriate place to wait, check whether a spare key is available, and call IC Roadside & Key at (319) 936-2108 for 24/7 lockout help. Confirm the vehicle, quote and current arrival estimate before dispatch.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess Your Surroundings

Your first priority is personal safety, not getting into the car. Take a moment to look around:

• Are you in a well-lit area? If not, move toward light, whether that is a street lamp, a nearby business, or another populated space.
• Are there other people around? Busy areas like the Pedestrian Mall, Coral Ridge Mall parking lot, or gas stations along the Coralville Strip are safer than isolated spots.
• If you feel unsafe for any reason, call 911 first, then worry about the car.

Step 2: Check for Quick Solutions

Before calling for help, quickly check:

• All doors and the trunk or liftgate — One may be unlocked.
• Your phone — If your vehicle has a remote-unlock app already set up, check the manufacturer's instructions and whether the feature is currently available to you.
• A spare key — Is there one with a friend, family member, or roommate who could bring it to you?

Step 3: Call IC Roadside & Key

Call (319) 936-2108 with your vehicle model, location and where the keys are. Lockout help is offered 24/7; the owner confirms suitability, the quote and an estimated arrival before dispatch. Stay somewhere appropriate to the actual conditions while waiting.

What to Tell the Dispatcher

• Your exact location, including the address, parking lot name, or nearest cross streets.
• Your vehicle's year, make, and model.
• Whether anyone else is in the vehicle (children or pets are emergencies; let us know immediately).

Step 4: Stay Safe While You Wait

• Stay in a well-lit, visible area. Do not wander away from your vehicle into unfamiliar neighborhoods.
• Wait inside a nearby business if one is open. Tell the staff your situation.
• Let someone know your location. Text a friend or family member where you are and that you are waiting for help.
• Do not accept help from strangers attempting to open your car. Well-meaning attempts with improvised tools almost always cause damage, and not everyone has good intentions.

Special Concerns for Iowa Nights

Iowa nights present unique challenges depending on the season:

• Winter: Temperatures can drop below zero. If you are locked out in freezing weather, your safety is at risk. Call us immediately and wait inside a nearby building. Do not try to wait it out.
• Summer — If someone inside the vehicle is in immediate danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher's directions. Do not wait for a routine lockout appointment.

Preventing Future Nighttime Lockouts

Arrange a spare key with a trusted person and keep your roadside contact accessible. Save IC Roadside & Key at (319) 936-2108 so you can describe the job and request a quote when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions