If you don't have a spare car key and have left the keys inside the car or lost them altogether, then it's time to call the experts. You may already know a locksmith who helps you install or repair locks around your home, but bear in mind that a residential locksmith isn't necessarily trained or equipped to offer car lockout services.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to check with them either. Locksmiths tend to have certain areas that they specialise in, it could be commercial services, residential security, or automotive locksmith solutions.

In order to tell if a particular locksmith service can help you, it's always good to ask for their background and experience handling lockouts, as well as their expertise on the specific make and model of your car.

Once you've established that they're qualified to do the job, things should be more or less smooth sailing from there. An auto locksmith usually takes an hour and a half or less to reach your location and open your car door. And they may even offer solutions to prevent such situations from happening again such as car key duplications.