Locked out of your car and trying to decide between calling a locksmith directly or going through your AAA membership? Both can work, but they're not equal in every situation. Here's an honest comparison of cost, speed, and reliability so you can make the right call for your specific situation.
The Quick Summary
- Use AAA if you're a member, the situation isn't urgent, and you have time to wait
- Call a locksmith directly if you're in an unsafe location, it's a genuine emergency, or AAA's wait time is unacceptable
Most AAA members should use AAA for car lockouts — that's what you're paying for. But there are real situations where calling a locksmith is the smarter move.
What AAA Offers for Car Lockouts
What's Included
AAA membership includes roadside assistance for car lockouts as a standard benefit across all membership tiers (Classic, Plus, Premier). Specifically:
- A lockout technician comes to your location and unlocks your car
- The service is free with membership (no additional charge for the lockout service itself)
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
AAA doesn't just send locksmiths — they have a network of contracted service providers. Who shows up may be a locksmith, a tow truck company, or a roadside assistance specialist depending on your area and what's available.
AAA Membership Costs
- Classic: ~$65–$80/year
- Plus: ~$85–$120/year
- Premier: ~$115–$165/year
Higher tiers offer more service calls per year, longer tow coverage, and other benefits. For lockouts specifically, all tiers provide the service at no additional charge.
AAA's Typical Wait Time
This is where AAA's weakness shows up. AAA dispatches from a regional pool of contractors. During busy times (weather events, holidays, weekends), wait times can be significant:
- Normal conditions: 30–60 minutes typical
- High-demand periods: 1–3 hours is possible
- Rural areas: Often longer, sometimes 90+ minutes
- Major weather events or blackouts: Wait times can stretch to 4–6 hours
AAA itself acknowledges that wait times can vary. They're transparent about this, but it's a real factor in your decision.
What a Locksmith Offers for Car Lockouts
Direct Locksmith Service
When you call a locksmith directly, you're dealing with a single business that controls its own schedule and dispatch. You get:
- A quote before they come out
- Predictable arrival time (they'll tell you their ETA)
- A locksmith who does this work all day, every day
- Direct accountability — if something goes wrong, you know exactly who to call
Cost
A car lockout from a locksmith typically costs:
- Basic car lockout (standard lock): $65–$175 depending on city
- After-hours surcharge: $30–$75 extra on evenings, weekends
- Service call fee: Often $50–$75 just to come out, separate from the job cost
In major cities, budget $85–$175 for a daytime car lockout from a reputable locksmith. After hours, $130–$225.
Locksmith Wait Times
A good local locksmith can typically arrive in 20–45 minutes during business hours. Some can arrive faster. This is usually faster than AAA during normal conditions and significantly faster during AAA's peak periods.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | AAA | Direct Locksmith |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (included in membership) | $65–$175 |
| Wait time (normal) | 30–60 min | 20–45 min |
| Wait time (peak/emergency) | 1–4 hours | 30–60 min |
| Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 (most areas) |
| Accountability | Via AAA complaint process | Direct |
| Works for RVs/trailers | Often yes (Plus/Premier) | Yes |
| Works for exotics/EVs | Varies | Call and ask |
When AAA Makes More Sense
You're in a safe location. If you're at home, at work, or in a well-lit public area during reasonable hours, AAA's longer wait time is just an inconvenience. Use your free benefit.
You're a frequent road tripper. AAA members who travel often and get multiple tows per year get far more value from their membership. The lockout service is part of a larger package.
You have roadside assistance through your credit card too. Some cards provide roadside assistance as a benefit. Between your card and AAA, you may have multiple free options. Check before paying a locksmith.
You have Plus or Premier and are far from major cities. Higher-tier AAA memberships are more valuable in rural or semi-rural areas where a paid locksmith might not even be available, or would charge a large travel fee.
When a Direct Locksmith Makes More Sense
You're in an unsafe location. If you're locked out in a parking garage at midnight, in a neighborhood you don't feel safe in, or on the side of a highway, you want the fastest help available. Call the locksmith with the best response time, not the one with the free membership.
AAA's wait time is unacceptable right now. If AAA tells you it's a 2-hour wait and you're in the sun, the rain, or somewhere that matters, pay for faster service.
It's a specialty vehicle. Some exotic cars, newer EVs, or vehicles with unusual locking systems may be outside what AAA's contracted providers can handle. A locksmith who specializes in automotive work may be better equipped.
You don't have AAA and don't plan to get it. If you're paying out of pocket, use a locksmith — that's the only real option.
A child or pet is in the car. This is an emergency. Call 911. Police and fire departments can unlock vehicles immediately, for free, in life-threatening situations. Neither AAA nor a locksmith is the right call here.
What About Roadside Assistance Through Auto Insurance?
Many auto insurance policies include roadside assistance as an add-on for $5–$15 per month, or it may already be included in your policy.
This is often the most overlooked option. Before you call AAA or a locksmith:
- Check your auto insurance card or app
- Search for the roadside assistance number on your policy
- Call them — car lockouts are typically covered
Insurance-based roadside assistance works similarly to AAA. Quality and wait times vary by provider, but if it's included in your policy, it's essentially free.
Common roadside assistance providers:
- Allstate Motor Club
- State Farm Road Rescue
- Progressive roadside assistance
- GEICO Emergency Roadside Service
- Progressive (through their partners)
Other Options Worth Considering
Your car dealer's roadside assistance. Many new vehicles come with free roadside assistance through the manufacturer for the first few years. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Ford, GM — most include it. Check your ownership documents.
Credit card benefits. Visa Signature, some Mastercard and Amex cards include roadside assistance. Check your card's benefits portal.
OnStar (GM vehicles). OnStar can remotely unlock your car door from their call center. If you have a GM vehicle with an active OnStar subscription, call them first.
Ford Pass, FordGuide, Ram Connect, etc. Similar remote unlock services through manufacturer apps. Check if your vehicle has this before assuming it doesn't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAA worth it just for car lockouts?
Probably not by itself — AAA costs $65–$165/year depending on tier. If you only get one car lockout every few years, it might be cheaper to pay for a locksmith directly. AAA's value comes from the full package: tows, battery service, flat tire changes, and lockouts combined.
Does AAA cover lockouts for free with all membership tiers?
Yes, car lockouts are included in Classic, Plus, and Premier memberships at no additional charge. The number of free service calls per year varies by tier (Classic gets 4 free calls per year; Plus and Premier get more).
How many times can I use AAA for lockouts in a year?
Classic members get 4 roadside assistance calls per year (for any covered service, not just lockouts). Plus members get unlimited calls with some restrictions. Check your specific membership tier's terms.
What if AAA says it'll take 3 hours?
Ask them if they can escalate the priority or find a closer provider. If not, you have the right to hire a locksmith on your own. AAA may reimburse you for locksmith services if their wait time is unreasonable — call their customer service to ask about reimbursement.
Can AAA unlock any type of car?
Most standard vehicles, yes. For exotic cars, certain EVs, or vehicles with unusual locking systems, AAA's contractor may not have the right tools. Call ahead and describe your vehicle if you have something unusual.
What do I do if both AAA and a locksmith are too slow and I have a child in the car?
Call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency in warm weather, and police and fire departments can and will open your car quickly. Don't wait for anyone else.