Getting locked out of your car is frustrating enough without having to figure out whether your insurance covers it. The short answer: it depends on your policy, but roadside assistance coverage — which typically covers lockouts — is available on most auto insurance policies, often for very little extra cost. Here's what you need to know.
The Basic Answer
Standard auto insurance policies (liability, collision, comprehensive) do not automatically cover car lockouts. A lockout isn't a traffic accident or damage event, so the core policy doesn't apply.
However, most major insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on or rider to your auto policy. This add-on typically costs $5–$15 per month (often just $2–$8/month per vehicle) and usually covers:
- Car lockouts
- Dead battery jump-starts
- Flat tire changes
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Towing to a nearby repair shop
If you have roadside assistance on your auto policy, a car lockout is covered.
How to Find Out If You're Covered Right Now
Check these in order:
1. Look at your insurance card or app. Many insurers list "Roadside Assistance" or "Emergency Roadside Service" on the card or in the app.
2. Log into your insurer's website. Your coverage summary page will show what you have.
3. Call your insurance company's main number. Tell them you're locked out of your car and ask if you have roadside assistance coverage. This takes 2 minutes.
4. Check your policy documents. It'll be listed under endorsements, riders, or additional coverage.
Major Insurance Companies — What They Offer
GEICO
GEICO offers Emergency Roadside Service as an add-on. Coverage includes lockouts. Cost is typically around $14/year per vehicle — one of the cheapest in the industry. They use their own network of contracted providers.
State Farm
State Farm's Emergency Road Service add-on covers lockouts. Pricing varies but is typically $5–$10/month depending on your policy and state.
Progressive
Progressive offers 24-Hour Roadside Assistance through their Signature 500 coverage. Covers lockouts, towing, battery service. Usually around $8–$15/month.
Allstate
Allstate's Roadside Assistance package covers lockouts. Available as a standalone roadside product too (separate from your auto policy). Around $5–$15/month.
USAA
USAA Roadside Assistance is excellent for military members and families. Covers lockouts, towing, fuel delivery, etc. Pricing is competitive at around $6–$12/month.
AAA (not technically insurance, but relevant)
AAA isn't insurance — it's a membership club. But it's one of the most common ways Americans get roadside assistance. AAA Classic costs $65–$80/year and covers unlimited car lockouts. Many people have both auto insurance roadside assistance AND AAA.
How Roadside Assistance Claims Work
When you use roadside assistance through your auto insurance:
Step 1: Call the roadside assistance number. This is different from your regular insurance claims number — it's specifically for emergency service dispatch. Find it on your card or app before you need it.
Step 2: Describe your situation. "I'm locked out of my car at [location]." They'll ask for your name, policy number, vehicle description, and exact location.
Step 3: They dispatch a provider. Your insurer's network sends a locksmith or roadside tech to your location. Wait time is similar to AAA — typically 30–60 minutes.
Step 4: Service is provided, you don't pay anything. The provider is paid directly by the insurance company (or through the service network). No out-of-pocket cost for covered services.
Step 5: No claims impact. Using roadside assistance does not count as an insurance claim for purposes of rate increases or claims history. This is an important distinction — many people avoid using it because they fear a rate increase. You don't need to worry about that.
Does Using Roadside Assistance Raise Your Insurance Rates?
Almost universally, no. Roadside assistance is a service benefit, not an insurance claim. It doesn't go on your claims record and doesn't trigger a rate review.
There is a caveat: if you're making roadside assistance calls very frequently (some policies have annual limits), your insurer might review the account. But a single lockout call? No impact on your rates.
Other Places Roadside Assistance May Be Hiding
Before you pay a locksmith, check all of these:
Credit Card Benefits
Many credit cards — especially mid-tier and premium cards — include roadside assistance as a cardholder benefit:
- Visa Signature cards: Most include roadside dispatch through Allstate
- Mastercard Standard, World, World Elite: Roadside assistance on most cards
- American Express: Roadside assistance through Premium Auto & Tire Protection on some cards
- Chase cards: Many include roadside dispatch
Check your credit card's benefits portal (usually under "Travel Benefits" or "Auto Benefits") or call the number on the back of the card and ask.
Vehicle Manufacturer Roadside Assistance
Most new cars come with manufacturer roadside assistance for the first 1–4 years:
- Toyota: ToyotaCare (2 years)
- Honda: Honda Care (varies)
- Ford: Roadside Assistance (5 years or 60,000 miles)
- GM/Chevy/Buick/GMC: Roadside Assistance (5 years or 60,000 miles)
- BMW: BMW Roadside Assistance (4 years)
- Mercedes: MBRACE Emergency Service (unlimited for active subscribers)
Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if your coverage is still active.
Connected Car Services
If your car has a connected service (OnStar for GM, FordPass for Ford, BMW Connected, etc.), many of these can unlock your car remotely:
- OnStar: Can send a signal to unlock your car door immediately if your subscription is active
- FordPass/FordGuide: Similar remote unlock capability
- Nissan Safety Shield Connect: Remote door unlock
If you have one of these services and it's active, it's faster than any locksmith or roadside service.
What Roadside Assistance Doesn't Cover
Roadside assistance has limits:
- Towing distance: Most policies cover towing to the nearest repair shop (often limited to 5–15 miles). Longer tows may cost extra.
- Service call limits: Some policies have an annual limit (often 3–4 calls per year).
- Exclusions: Vehicles stranded on private property not accessible by road, commercial vehicles, and some specialty vehicles may be excluded.
- Cost caps: Some policies cover up to a dollar amount (e.g., "$50 per lockout service") rather than unlimited coverage.
Know your policy's specific terms before you need it.
Should You Add Roadside Assistance If You Don't Have It?
At $5–$15/month, roadside assistance through your auto insurance is almost always worth it. A single car lockout costs $75–$175. Two lockouts and you've paid for multiple years of roadside assistance.
Even if you have AAA, having roadside assistance on your auto policy provides redundancy and a second option when one service is overwhelmed or unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does comprehensive coverage cover car lockouts?
No. Comprehensive coverage covers damage from events like theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes. A lockout is not a covered event under comprehensive. You need roadside assistance coverage specifically.
If I pay a locksmith out of pocket, can I be reimbursed by insurance?
Sometimes. If you have roadside assistance coverage and couldn't reach your insurer's dispatch (or if they told you to hire your own locksmith), you may be able to submit for reimbursement. Keep your receipt and call your insurer. Reimbursement isn't guaranteed, but it's worth asking.
Will calling roadside assistance count as a claim and raise my rates?
No. Roadside assistance calls are service uses, not insurance claims. They don't affect your claims history, claims-free discount, or premium renewal calculations.
What's the phone number for roadside assistance?
It varies by insurer. Look on the back of your insurance card (often separate from the main claims number), in your insurer's app, or on your policy documents. Save it in your phone under "Auto Roadside" so you have it when needed.
What if my insurance roadside wait is too long?
You can hire a locksmith directly and ask your insurer about reimbursement afterward. Or, if you have AAA, use that. Most people with both auto insurance roadside and AAA choose whichever has the better wait time in the moment.
Does roadside assistance cover all types of vehicles?
Most standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs are covered. Motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and commercial vehicles may have different or separate coverage. Check your specific policy.