5 Tips to Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Home or Car
Simple, practical habits that prevent the most common lockouts — and a clear plan for when one happens anyway.
A lockout is one of those things that feels impossible to prevent — until it happens to you. The good news: most lockouts are completely avoidable with a few simple habits. Here are the five most effective things you can do to prevent getting locked out of your home or car in Massachusetts.
Always Have a Spare Key
A spare key is the single most effective lockout prevention tool — and the most overlooked. If you don't have a spare for your home and car right now, get one made today. It costs $25–$200 depending on the key type and is far cheaper than a lockout call.
- Keep a home spare with a trusted neighbor, family member, or in a secure lockbox
- Keep a car spare at home — never in your car
- If you have a smart key or push-start fob, get a spare programmed at the same time as your original
Build a "Keys Check" Habit
Most lockouts happen because of a momentary lapse — you close the door before consciously confirming you have your keys. Build a physical habit: before closing any door, touch your keys. Not just think about them — physically feel them in your hand or pocket.
- Touch your keys before closing your car door — every single time
- Hang a key hook right next to your front door so keys always have a home
- Put a sticky note on your door handle as a reminder until the habit sticks
Use a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag attach to your keychain and let you find your keys via your phone. If your keys are nearby, your phone plays a sound. If they're far away, the app shows their last known location.
- AirTag works best if you're in the Apple ecosystem
- Tile works across both iOS and Android
- Most trackers cost $25–$35 and last 1–2 years on a battery
Consider a Smart Lock for Your Home
Smart locks eliminate home lockouts entirely — you enter with a code, app, or fingerprint instead of a physical key. They're especially useful for people who frequently forget or lose keys, families with kids, or rental properties.
- Entry-level smart locks cost $100–$200 installed
- High-security smart locks with fingerprint readers cost $200–$400 installed
- Most smart locks still accept a physical key as a backup
Know What to Do If a Lockout Happens Anyway
Even with the best habits, lockouts happen. Knowing your plan in advance saves time and money when it does. Save a licensed locksmith's number in your phone now — before you need it.
- Check your roadside assistance coverage (AAA, insurance, manufacturer program)
- Call a licensed, insured locksmith — not the cheapest result on Google
- Never try to break in yourself — you risk damaging your door, lock, or window
- For car lockouts, stay in a safe, well-lit location while you wait
Bonus: Rekey After Moving In
If you've recently moved into a new home or apartment, rekeying your locks is one of the smartest security moves you can make. You don't know how many copies of the old keys exist — previous owners, contractors, neighbors, or real estate agents may all have one.
Rekeying costs just $25–$50 per lock and takes about 15 minutes per lock. It changes the internal pins so all old keys stop working immediately — without replacing the lock hardware.
Read: 5 Signs You Need to Rekey Your LocksFrequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of lockouts?
The most common cause of lockouts is simply forgetting your keys inside — at home, in your car, or at work. The second most common cause is losing keys. Both are preventable with a spare key and a consistent habit of checking for your keys before closing any door.
How do I avoid locking my keys in my car?
The most reliable prevention is to always check for your keys before closing the car door — make it a physical habit, not just a mental check. Also: get a spare key, use a Bluetooth tracker on your keychain, and consider a car with a keypad entry or push-start system that prevents lockouts.
What should I do if I get locked out at night in Massachusetts?
Call a 7 AM–11 PM licensed locksmith immediately. Apex Lock N Key is available 7 AM–11 PM, 7 days a week and responds fast anywhere in Middlesex County. Do not attempt to break in yourself — you risk damaging your door, lock, or window, which costs far more than a locksmith call.
Is it worth getting a smart lock to prevent lockouts?
Smart locks significantly reduce lockouts because you can enter with a code, app, or fingerprint — no physical key required. They're especially useful for people who frequently forget or lose keys. The tradeoff is cost ($150–$400 installed) and the need to keep the battery charged.
How much does a lockout service cost in Massachusetts?
A standard residential lockout in Massachusetts costs $75–$150 during business hours. After-hours calls may add $25–$50. Car lockouts typically cost $65–$125. See our full guide: How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Massachusetts?
Locked Out Right Now? We're 30–45 Minutes Away.
Apex Lock N Key serves all of Middlesex County 7 AM–11 PM. Licensed, insured, upfront pricing — no surprises.