Locking your keys inside your car is one of those mistakes that can happen to anyone. Maybe you set them on the seat while loading groceries at the Hy-Vee on Waterfront Drive, or left them in the ignition while running into a shop downtown. Whatever the case, stay calm. IC Roadside & Key provides fast lockout service across Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Eastern Iowa. Call us at (319) 963-2108 any time, day or night.
What to Do First
Stay Safe
If you are in a parking garage, on a busy street, or in an unfamiliar area, move to a well-lit, populated spot. If a child or pet is locked inside the vehicle and the temperature is extreme, call 911 immediately. Iowa summers can push interior car temperatures above 130 degrees in minutes.
Check All Doors and Windows
It sounds simple, but walk around the vehicle and try every door handle. Check if a window is cracked enough to reach the lock button. On SUVs and hatchbacks, try the rear liftgate as well.
Do Not Force Entry
Using a coat hanger, screwdriver, or slim jim on a modern vehicle almost always causes damage. Today's cars have electronic locking systems and side airbag sensors in the doors. Improper tools can trigger airbags, scratch paint, bend door frames, or break window seals. The repair bill will far exceed the cost of professional lockout service.
How Professional Lockout Service Works
When you call IC Roadside & Key, a trained technician arrives with professional lockout tools designed for your specific vehicle. We use air wedges and long-reach tools that open doors without damaging paint, weather seals, or electronic components. Most lockouts are resolved in just a few minutes.
We handle all types of vehicles, from older models with manual locks to newer cars with push-button start and electronic key fobs. If your key fob battery has died and the car will not recognize it, we can help with that too.
What About Spare Keys?
Once you are back inside your car, take steps to prevent future lockouts. Consider hiding a spare key in a magnetic box under the vehicle, giving a spare to a trusted friend or family member, or keeping one in your wallet or purse. For newer vehicles with electronic fobs, contact your dealer about getting a spare programmed.
Coverage Across Eastern Iowa
IC Roadside & Key provides lockout assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We serve Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Cedar Rapids, Solon, Tiffin, West Liberty, and surrounding communities. Whether you are locked out at the Coral Ridge Mall, a University of Iowa tailgate, or a rest stop on I-80, our team can reach you quickly.
Do not let a lockout ruin your day. Call IC Roadside & Key at (319) 963-2108 and we will have you back in your vehicle in no time.