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How do locksmiths open car doors?

What’s a normal way for locksmiths to open car doors? I locked myself out of my car, and I don't want to pay for a locksmith if I don't have to.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Most of the time, locksmiths will use special tools to open locked car doors. Unfortunately, that means that you may need to call a locksmith after all. Here are a few common methods locksmiths use to open car doors:
  • If your key broke off in your lock, the locksmith will likely use a broken key extractor to remove any of the pieces. Then they’ll duplicate the key and use it to unlock your car.
  • If you locked your keys in your car, your locksmith will probably use a slim jim to get into your car. In short, they’ll slip the slim jim between the glass and weather stripping on your car window and unlock the car from the inside.
  • Of course, if you have a
    keyless entry system
    , the locksmith might simply reprogram the system to open your doors.
If you’d rather not spend money on a locksmith, you should try roadside assistance with
Jerry
. Jerry’s roadside assistance includes lockout services, key replacement, jump-starting, and towing for as low as $4.16 a month. Plus, their network of over 55,000 service providers means you’re covered wherever you are!
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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