What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your House
Being locked out at home is stressful. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do — and what NOT to do — to get back inside quickly and safely.
Stay Calm — You Have Options
Being locked out of your home is one of those situations that can catch you off guard at the worst possible time. Before you panic or do something that could damage your door or lock, take a breath and work through these steps.
Step 1: Check All Entry Points
Before calling anyone, walk around your home and check:
- All exterior doors (back door, garage entry, side doors)
- Ground-floor windows that may be unlocked
- The garage door (if you know the code)
Step 2: Contact a Trusted Person With a Key
If you've left a spare key with a neighbor, family member, or friend, now is the time to call them. This is the fastest free solution.
Step 3: Check Your Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance
Many policies include emergency locksmith coverage. Check your policy or call your agent before paying out of pocket.
Step 4: Call a Professional Locksmith
If none of the above work, call a licensed locksmith. Provo Locksmith UT offers 24/7 emergency lockout service with typical response times of 20-40 minutes. Call us at (385) 283-6134.
What NOT to Do
- Don't try to pick the lock yourself — you're likely to damage it and make things worse
- Don't attempt to remove a door hinge — modern security doors are designed to resist this
- Don't break a window — the repair cost usually exceeds a locksmith call
- Don't leave a window open overnight after breaking in — secure it immediately
Preventing Future Lockouts
After you're back inside, take steps to prevent this from happening again: store a spare key with a trusted person, invest in a smart lock, or install a combination lockbox near your entrance.