Car Lockout Service2026-11-12T16:45:14+00:00

24/7 Roadside · Mid Valley Towing

Car Lockout Service in North Hollywood & Glendale

Keys on the seat, in the trunk, or in the ignition with the engine running? Call us. A Mid Valley tech will open your car, truck or SUV without damaging the paint, weather stripping or door, any time of day or night.

Mid Valley Tow Truck Operator unlocking a car in North Hollywood

Open 24/7
Nights, weekends, holidays

Family-Owned Since 1992
North Hollywood & Glendale

Glendale Police Tow Provider
Official City of Glendale

English & Spanish
All major credit cards

Right Now

Locked Out of Your Car? Start Here

A vehicle lockout is usually a quick job. What slows it down is the wrong location or missing details. These three things get a tow truck operator to you faster.

01

Check who’s inside

If you’ve inadvertently locked your keys in your car with a small child inside, a pet, or anyone who can’t unlock the door themselves, call 911 first. Then call us and let us know your circumstances so we can expedite.

02

Give us the details

Where you are (exact address, cross streets, retail establishment— where in the parking lot). The year, make, model, and color of your vehicle. And where the keys are inside, and whether the engine is running.

03

Stand by and relax

We’ve seen the damage a hanger or screwdriver can do: scratched paint, torn upholstery, and broken glass. We’ll arrive in a matter of minutes to get your keys out. Please be patient and stand by. We’ve done this thousands of times.

What to expect

How Our Car Lockout Service Works

The objective is simple: to open your car door without causing any damage. We’ve done it thousands of times before, and we do it at a price you know before our tow truck operator shows up.

  • You call (818) 503-1300. A live dispatcher gets your location and vehicle details and gives you a price and an arrival estimate before dispatching the closest truck. Arrival times vary on your location.

  • The nearest tow truck operator heads your way. If we have a truck in your vicinity, it will be dispatched immediately. If not, we’ll come from either our North Hollywood location on Atoll Ave or our Glendale yard on Riverdale Dr, whichever is closer.

  • The door is opened with lockout tools, not force. An inflatable air wedge opens a small gap at the top of the door, and a long-reach tool presses the unlock button or lifts the handle from inside. Nothing gets pried, scratched or bent.
  • We check to make sure your car is operable before the tow truck operator leaves. In some instances unlocking a vehicle may cause the security system to prevent it from starting. We follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to get you going again.

Common situations

Lockouts We Handle

Keys on the seat or in the ignition

This is the most common lockout. The door shut, the locks engaged, and the keys are sitting right there. It’s usually the fastest one to open.

Keys locked in the trunk

We get into the front of your car first and then use the trunk release or fold-down seats. Tell dispatch the keys are in the trunk so the tow truck operator plans for it.

Engine still running

It burns fuel, and in summer the engine can overheat while it idles in place. Say so when you call so we can expedite the response.

Dead battery, locks won’t respond

When your car battery dies, the fob and power locks stop working. We get you in, then jump-start the battery on the same call.

Smart key inside the car

Keyless cars are designed not to lock with the fob inside, but it still happens with a weak fob battery, a second fob or auto-lock. They open the same way as any other car.

Trucks, vans & SUVs

Work trucks, cargo vans and fleet vehicles locked on a job site. Taller doors and heavier seals need a different professional approach, not more force.

Before you try it yourself

Why We Don’t Recommend the Coat Hanger

Modern car doors have a lot more inside them than a lock rod. A wire hanger, slim jim or screwdriver forced past the window can do more damage than the lockout call costs:

  • Torn or kinked weather stripping that leaks wind and water

  • Scratched paint and window tint along the door frame

  • Snagged wiring for power windows, locks, and side-impact airbag sensors

  • A window knocked off its track, or a broken window

If you’re stuck, call us. It’s cheaper than replacing a window or a door seal.

Motorist looking at keys inside locked car in North Hollywood

Coverage

Serving North Hollywood, Glendale & Nearby Neighborhoods

Our two yards are a short drive from the 170, 101, 134 and 5 freeways, so when you lock your keys in your car we can reach most of the east San Fernando Valley and Glendale area quickly.

Metro B Line parking

The North Hollywood and Universal City/Studio City station lots. Tell us the lot and row, and stay close to the car so you can wave us down.

Glendale shopping structures

Americana at Brand, Glendale Galleria and the Brand Boulevard garages. Give us the parking structure name, level and space number. Yes, we can unlock your car in a parking garage.

NoHo Arts District & Studio City street parking

On Lankershim, Magnolia, Vineland and Ventura Blvd, give us the nearest cross street and which side of the street you’re on. We’ll get your keys out.

Hollywood Burbank Airport lots

Did your plane land and now you realized your keys are locked in the car? Tell us which lot you’re in when you call and we’ll be right there.

North Hollywood

Glendale

Burbank

Studio City

Universal City

Toluca Lake

Valley Village

Valley Glen

Sun Valley

Sherman Oaks

Van Nuys

Hollywood

See our North Hollywood, Glendale and Hollywood pages for everything else we do in those areas.

If a Child or Pet Is Locked Inside, Call 911 First

A closed car in the Valley sun heats up fast, much faster than most people expect, even on a mild day. If a child, a pet or a vulnerable adult is inside, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can get there and get in faster than any tow company can. Call us afterward if you still need the car opened or other help.

Other vehicle problems

When Opening the Door Isn’t Enough

Sometimes the lockout is only part of the problem. We can usually take care of the rest on the same call:

The battery is dead too

Unlocking is the easy part. If the car won’t start once you’re in, we’ll jump it before we leave.
Jump-start service →

The keys are lost, not locked in

No key means no driving. We can tow the car to your home or the dealer for a replacement key.
Towing service →

Flat tire or out of gas

Flat tire changes, fuel delivery, battery boosts, and winch-outs are all part of our 24/7 roadside assistance services.
Roadside assistance →

Questions

Car Lockout Service FAQ

How much does a car lockout service cost?2026-11-12T17:12:59+00:00

When you call for lockout service our dispatcher will give you the price before the tow truck operator heads in your direction, so there are no surprises. The cost depends on your location and we accept all major credit cards.

How long will it take you to get here?2026-11-12T17:12:50+00:00

It depends on where you are and on the traffic at that time of the day. If we have a truck close it will be just a matter of a few minutes. We’ll give you an estimate when you call. Once the driver arrives, most doors are open in a few minutes.

Will unlocking my car damage it?2026-11-12T17:12:42+00:00

No. We use lockout tools specifically designed for unlocking most makes and models of vehicles, not pry bars or hangers, so the paint, weather stripping, window and door wiring stay intact.

What do I need to show before you unlock the car?2026-11-12T17:12:35+00:00

We need to confirm the vehicle is yours before we open it. For example, a photo ID matching the registration, or a rental agreement. If your ID is locked inside, tell dispatch. We can verify ownership once the door is open.

Can you make me a new key?2026-11-12T17:12:28+00:00

No. We do not make keys. If your keys are lost rather than locked inside your vehicle, we can tow the car to your home or the dealer so a replacement key can be cut and programmed.

Do you do lockouts at night and on weekends?2026-11-12T17:12:20+00:00

Yes. Lockout and roadside services run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Call (818) 503-1300.

Do you unlock trucks, vans and SUVs?2026-11-12T17:12:12+00:00

Yes. Semis, pickups, cargo vans, SUVs and fleet vehicles, as well as cars. Tell dispatch the year, make and model so when a driver arrives he’s ready for your vehicle.

Mid Valley Towing, Inc.

Get Back Into Your Car

Family-owned since 1992, with yards in North Hollywood and Glendale. Day or night, we’ll get you back into your car without damaging it.

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