Skip to main content
Contact
(855) 952-3687cot24963@towbook.net4312 Wake Forest Road, B3
Raleigh, NC 2760924/7 Emergency Service Available
Contact Us OnlineGetting locked out of your vehicle is frustrating and stressful—especially when you have places to be. Whether your keys are locked inside, lost, broken, or you're dealing with a malfunctioning electronic lock, Central One Towing provides fast, professional vehicle lockout service throughout the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle.
Our operators use professional-grade lockout tools and proven techniques to gain entry to your vehicle quickly and without causing damage. Unlike amateur attempts that can scratch paint, damage door seals, or break window trim, our service is designed to get you back in your vehicle safely while preserving its condition and value.
Damage-Free Entry — professional lockout tools and techniques that protect your vehicle
Fast Response — typical arrival time of 30-60 minutes across the Triangle
24/7 Availability — days, nights, weekends, and holidays—whenever you need us
All Vehicle Types — cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and most modern vehicles including keyless systems
Trained Operators — experienced technicians who understand vehicle locking mechanisms
Insurance Safe — proper techniques that won't void your vehicle warranty or cause insurance issues
Backup Options — if keys are lost or broken, we can tow to a locksmith or dealership
Local Coverage — Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Clayton, Zebulon, Apex, Holly Springs, and surrounding areas
Step 1: Call Our 24/7 Dispatch Call (855) 952-3687 and provide your location (address, parking lot, or landmarks), vehicle make and model, and a brief description of the situation. Are the keys visible inside? Is this a keyless entry system? Are the keys lost entirely?
Step 2: Receive ETA & Stay Safe Our dispatcher confirms your information and sends the nearest available operator. You'll receive an estimated arrival time. If you're in an unsafe location (busy road, isolated area, extreme weather), we prioritize your call and may coordinate with local police for your safety.
Step 3: Professional Assessment Our operator arrives and assesses the best entry method for your specific vehicle. Different makes, models, and years require different approaches. We select the method that's fastest while ensuring no damage to your vehicle.
Step 4: Safe Entry Using professional lockout tools—including airbags (wedges), long-reach tools, and specialized devices—we carefully create the space needed to access your door lock or handle. We protect paint, seals, and trim throughout the process.
Step 5: Verify & Secure Once you're back in your vehicle, we verify that your locks are functioning properly and that no damage occurred. We ensure you have working keys before we leave. If keys are lost or broken, we can arrange towing to a locksmith or dealership.
Step 6: Prevention Tips We provide practical tips to help you avoid future lockouts, such as spare key solutions and habits that reduce lockout risk.
The most common scenario—keys are visible inside the vehicle but doors won't unlock. We gain entry without breaking windows or damaging your car.
Electronic key fobs die or malfunction, preventing you from unlocking your doors. We can physically access your vehicle while you arrange key fob repair or replacement.
Key broke off in the door lock or ignition. We can help extract the broken piece or gain entry through alternative means, then tow to a locksmith if needed.
Keys locked in the trunk with no interior access. We can access your trunk through interior entry or direct trunk lock manipulation.
Emergency situations where a child or pet is locked inside the vehicle. We prioritize these calls for the fastest possible response and can coordinate with emergency services if needed.
Keys are completely lost with no spare available. We unlock your vehicle and can tow it to a dealership or locksmith for key replacement.
Today's vehicles use sophisticated locking mechanisms that require professional expertise:
Keyless Entry Systems: Many modern vehicles have no traditional key cylinder—only electronic locks controlled by key fobs. Our operators understand how to access these vehicles when the fob isn't working.
Push-to-Start Technology: Vehicles with push-button start have different security systems that require specific lockout approaches.
Security Systems & Alarms: Modern vehicles have sensitive security systems that can be triggered during entry attempts. We use techniques that minimize alarm activation and won't cause security system lockouts.
Complex Door Mechanisms: Newer vehicles have intricate interior door mechanisms with electronic components. We access them without causing expensive damage.
Anti-Theft Systems: Advanced anti-theft systems make improper lockout attempts more likely to cause problems. Professional service ensures these systems aren't disrupted.
Laminated Windows: Some modern vehicles use laminated side windows (not just windshields) that make the "break a window" solution both expensive and dangerous.
Our operators receive ongoing training to stay current with evolving vehicle technology and lockout techniques.
Scenario 1: Grocery Store Parking Lot A customer loads groceries, sets keys on the seat, closes the door, and it locks automatically. We arrive in 40 minutes, gain entry in under 5 minutes using airbag and long-reach tool, and the customer is on their way with no damage to the vehicle.
Scenario 2: Dead Key Fob Battery A shopper's key fob battery dies in a mall parking lot—car won't unlock. We access the vehicle, locate the physical key hidden in the fob, and show the customer how to use it. They drive home and replace the fob battery the next day.
Scenario 3: Emergency Child Lockout A parent's 2-year-old accidentally presses the lock button while the keys are inside the vehicle. We classify this as an emergency, arrive in under 25 minutes, and get the child out safely. The child is completely fine and the parent is incredibly relieved.
Scenario 4: Broken Key Extraction A customer's key breaks off in the door lock cylinder during cold weather. We gain entry through alternative means, successfully extract most of the broken key, and tow the vehicle to a locksmith who makes a new key from the broken pieces.
Scenario 5: Lost Keys at Office An office worker loses their keys somewhere inside a large building and can't access their car to go home. We unlock the vehicle so they can retrieve important items, then tow it to their home where they can use their spare key the next morning.
Scenario 6: Trunk Lockout With Interior Release Covered A customer's keys fall into the trunk while loading items. The trunk closes and the interior release is covered by cargo. We gain entry through the doors, access the trunk release, and recover the keys—all in about 10 minutes.
Air Wedges (Airbags) — inflatable wedges that create a safe gap between door and frame without damaging paint or seals
Long-Reach Tools — flexible rods that can manipulate interior locks and handles through the created gap
Slim Jims (when appropriate) — traditional lockout tools effective on older vehicles with vertical lock linkages
Specialized Electronic Tools — devices that can interface with certain electronic locking systems
J-Tools & L-Tools — shaped tools designed for specific vehicle makes and lock mechanisms
Protective Coverings — materials that protect paint, weather stripping, and interior surfaces during the process
Scope Cameras — small cameras that help us see interior mechanisms without forcing larger gaps
While DIY lockout attempts might seem tempting, professional service offers important advantages:
Prevents Damage: Amateur attempts frequently damage paint, door seals, window trim, or interior mechanisms. Repairs often cost far more than professional service would have.
Faster Access: Experience and proper tools mean we typically gain entry in 5-15 minutes, whereas DIY attempts can take much longer—if they work at all.
Safer for Your Vehicle: Modern vehicles have sensitive electronics and complex mechanisms that can be damaged by improper techniques.
Comprehensive Solution: If keys are lost or broken, we're already there with a tow truck to take you to a locksmith or dealership—no need for a second service call.
Insurance Friendly: Many auto insurance policies and roadside assistance plans cover lockout services. DIY damage usually isn't covered.
Peace of Mind: Professional service means you don't risk making the situation worse or getting hurt trying to break into your own vehicle.
Emergency Response: For urgent situations (child or pet locked inside, dangerous location), we can coordinate with emergency services and prioritize your call.
We can unlock the vast majority of vehicles including modern cars with keyless entry, push-to-start systems, and complex security features. Some specialty or exotic vehicles may require dealer assistance, which we can help coordinate. Call dispatch with your vehicle details if you're unsure.
No. We use professional-grade tools and proven techniques specifically designed to prevent damage. Our operators use protective wedges, specialized long-reach tools, and careful methods that won't scratch paint, damage door seals, or harm interior mechanisms. Damage-free entry is our top priority.
Yes, this is a common scenario. Keys in the ignition don't prevent us from unlocking the doors. However, some vehicles have automatic locking features when keys are in the ignition, which is why this happens frequently.
We can unlock your vehicle so you can access the interior. Many key fobs have a hidden physical key inside that can unlock the door manually—we can show you how to use it. You'll need to replace the fob battery soon, but you'll be able to drive your vehicle.
Yes. We typically gain entry through the passenger compartment, then use the interior trunk release to access the trunk. If the trunk release is inaccessible, we can use alternative methods depending on your vehicle's design.
This is an emergency situation and we treat it as such. Call 911 first if the child or pet is in distress, in extreme weather, or if you have any safety concerns. Then call us for the fastest possible response. We'll coordinate with emergency services and prioritize your call for immediate dispatch.
Yes, we provide service wherever your vehicle is accessible—residential driveways, apartment complexes, parking lots, shopping centers, parking garages, workplaces, rest areas, or roadside locations.
We can unlock your vehicle to give you access, but you'll need new keys to drive it. We can tow your vehicle to a dealership, automotive locksmith, or your home where you may have a spare key. This saves you from paying for both an unlock and a tow separately.
Many auto insurance policies and roadside assistance plans include lockout coverage. Check with your insurance provider. Even if it's not covered, our competitive pricing makes professional service worthwhile compared to the risk of DIY damage.
Yes, in fact, older vehicles are often easier to unlock than modern ones due to simpler locking mechanisms. We have experience with vehicles of all ages including classics and antiques.
We can often gain entry through alternative means (other doors, trunk access, etc.). In some cases, we can extract broken key pieces. If the lock is damaged or the key can't be recovered, we can tow your vehicle to a locksmith or dealership for proper repair.
Most vehicle unlocks take 5-15 minutes once our operator arrives and assesses your vehicle. Complex vehicles or unusual situations may take slightly longer, but we work as quickly as possible while ensuring no damage occurs.
Yes, we handle cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and many commercial vehicles. Some specialized commercial vehicles may require additional time or specific tools. Mention your vehicle type when calling dispatch.
Stay near your vehicle in a safe location. If you're in an unsafe area (busy road, dangerous neighborhood), consider waiting in a nearby business or well-lit area. If it's extremely hot or cold and someone is locked inside the vehicle, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, relax—we'll be there soon.
Yes, we operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays. Lockouts don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Call anytime, day or night.
Still have questions? Contact us
While we're always here to help, here are practical tips to reduce lockout risk:
Spare Key Solutions:
Key Fob Maintenance:
Habit Changes:
Technology Solutions:
Backup Plans:
Some lockout scenarios require immediate action:
Child or Pet Inside: If a child or pet is locked inside your vehicle, especially in hot or cold weather, call 911 first if there's any distress or safety concern. Then call us for the fastest possible unlocking service. We treat these as absolute priorities.
Dangerous Locations: If you're locked out in an unsafe area—busy highway, isolated location, high-crime area—prioritize your personal safety. Move to a safe location if possible and call both police and us.
Extreme Weather: Extreme heat or cold can be dangerous if you're stranded without shelter. Call us immediately and mention the weather situation so we can prioritize your call.
Medical Situations: If someone inside or outside the vehicle needs medical attention and keys are locked inside, call 911 immediately. Emergency services can break a window if necessary, or we can arrive quickly to provide access.
Running Vehicle: If your vehicle is locked with the engine running (and keys inside), this is both a safety risk and a theft risk. Call us immediately for fast response.
In true emergencies, always call 911 first, then call us for support.
Call our 24/7 Dispatch Line and a driver will be on the way.