Locking yourself out of your home is stressful — but it's fixable. Whether it's midnight or midday, follow this guide to get back inside safely and affordably.
STEP 1: STAY CALM AND STAY SAFE
First — breathe. A lockout is an inconvenience, not a crisis. If it's dark or you're in an area that feels unsafe, move to a well-lit, populated space before doing anything else. A coffee shop lobby, a neighbour's porch, or your car are all fine waiting spots.
STEP 2: CHECK ALL ENTRY POINTS
- Try the front door again — deadbolts sometimes don't fully engage
- Check all ground-floor windows for an unlocked one
- Check the back door, garage side door, or any secondary entrance
- Check if a sliding door or screen is unlatched
Ground-floor only — never climb to upper floors or use ladders. The injury risk isn't worth it.
STEP 3: CONTACT SOMEONE WITH A KEY
Think through who might have a spare: spouse, partner, family member, trusted neighbour, your landlord or property manager, or your building concierge. The cheapest and fastest solution is always a spare key.
STEP 4: CALL A LICENSED LOCKSMITH
If no spare is available, call a locksmith. A few important points:
- Call directly — don't just pick the first Google result. Locksmith scams are common — fake listings, low phone quotes, then inflated on-site bills.
- Confirm price upfront — a legitimate locksmith quotes the price before dispatching. What they quote is what you pay.
- Ask for ID — a professional technician carries company identification and arrives in a marked vehicle.
Casper Locksmith quotes upfront, dispatches from Burnaby, and typically arrives in 15–20 minutes. Call (236) 826-4633 anytime.
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Don't try to pick the lock yourself — damages the keyway, makes a locksmith's job harder
- Don't break a window — replacement costs $150–400+, far more than a locksmith
- Don't kick in the door — damages frame, deadbolt, and strike plate significantly
PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN
- Cut a spare key and give it to a trusted person nearby
- Install a key lockbox near your door
- Add a smart lock — phone access as a backup
- Create a consistent key hook habit by your door