Car lockouts are common and entirely fixable without damaging your vehicle. The slim-jim technique from the 1980s should not exist in modern roadside service.
Slim jims rake against power window wiring, electric door lock motors, and side-impact airbag wiring. Damage from an improperly used slim jim runs $300–$1,500 in repairs.
Modern lockout tools use wedge-and-rod. An air wedge slides between door and frame, inflating gently to create a 3–5mm gap without damaging weatherstripping, paint, or door frame. Through that gap, a long-reach rod operates the lock from inside.
The whole process takes 5–15 minutes for most makes and models. Modern luxury cars with hidden door handles or fully electronic locking can be more complex.
We require ID confirming you're the owner or authorized driver before opening any locked vehicle.