Can you make a replacement key?

No. Buffalo Towing Services does not cut, copy, program or replace vehicle keys or key fobs. A qualified automotive locksmith or dealership may be required.

Can you provide lockout service on Buffalo-area highways?

The service vehicle may travel on I-90 and I-190 but cannot stop on either interstate to provide service. Eligible service on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990 starts at $175 plus applicable mileage and other charges.

Car Lockout Service Buffalo NY

Q: How much does car lockout service cost in Buffalo NY?

Eligible light-duty vehicle lockout service starts at $80. The first 10 enroute miles are included, followed by $2 per additional enroute mile. Applicable time, route, access and tax charges may apply.

Q: Do I need proof that I own or control the vehicle?

Proof of ownership, registration, identification or authorization may be required before or immediately after the vehicle is opened.

Mobile Vehicle Lockout Assistance

A vehicle lockout can happen at home, work, a store, a parking lot or on an eligible local road. Buffalo Towing Services may provide mobile vehicle-entry assistance when the keys are locked inside an eligible vehicle and the service can be performed safely.

Service depends on the vehicle, lock design, key location, window and door condition, proof of ownership or authorization, location, safe access and current availability.

Proof of ownership or authorization may be required. Be prepared to provide identification, registration, insurance information or other evidence showing that you own or are authorized to access the vehicle.

Common Vehicle Lockout Situations

Keys Locked Inside

Keys are visible or known to be inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Automatic Door Lock

The vehicle locked automatically while the key or key fob remained inside.

Keys in the Trunk

Service may be possible when opening the passenger compartment provides an approved way to release the trunk. Direct trunk entry is not guaranteed.

Key Fob Inside

A key fob is locked inside and the vehicle will not recognize or release it.

Work Vehicle Lockout

An eligible contractor pickup, work van or company vehicle has authorized keys locked inside.

Running Vehicle Lockout

The engine is running but the doors are locked. Tell dispatch immediately, especially when a child, vulnerable person or animal is inside.

Vehicle Lockout Starting Prices

Starts at $80 Eligible light-duty lockout service for qualifying cars, SUVs, pickups and passenger vans.

Starts at $150 Qualifying medium and heavy vehicle lockouts handled through the separate commercial lockout service.

Starts at $175 Eligible calls on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990 before applicable mileage and other charges.

Prices shown are starting prices and are not guaranteed totals. The first 10 enroute miles are included, followed by $2 per additional enroute mile. Weekday after-hours pricing adds $20 from 10:00 PM–6:00 AM. Weekend pricing adds $35 from Friday at 10:00 PM through Monday at 6:00 AM and replaces the weekday surcharge. A $35 holiday surcharge and 8.75% New York sales tax may apply where required. No separate credit-card processing fee is added.

Qualifying cash payments may receive a 5% discount. Card authorization may still be required before dispatch. The final amount is based on the online calculator or the price confirmed by dispatch.

Vehicles We May Unlock

Eligible passenger cars, sedans, coupes and hatchbacks
Eligible SUVs and crossovers
Eligible light-duty pickup trucks
Passenger vans and minivans
Eligible work vans and cargo vans
Qualifying commercial vehicles through the separate commercial service

Final acceptance depends on the vehicle's lock design, door and window condition, key location, vehicle access, ownership authorization and whether available tools can be used without unreasonable risk of damage.

For qualifying larger vehicles, review the medium and heavy vehicle lockout page.

Vehicle Ownership and Authorization

Buffalo Towing Services cannot knowingly open a vehicle for an unauthorized person. Identification or proof of authorization may be requested before service begins or immediately after the door is opened.

Vehicle Registration

Current registration showing the customer or authorized party may be used when available.

Photo Identification

Government-issued photo identification may be requested to help confirm identity.

Insurance Information

An insurance document or application showing the vehicle and authorized customer may help confirm access.

Business Authorization

Fleet, rental or company vehicles may require authorization from the business, fleet manager or registered owner.

Rental Vehicle

A rental agreement or authorization from the rental company may be required.

Registration Locked Inside

When ownership documents are inside, identification and the documents may be reviewed immediately after entry.

How Car Lockout Service Works

Request Service

Provide the vehicle, exact location, key location and customer contact information.

Confirm Authorization

Explain what ownership, registration, rental or business authorization is available.

Review the Vehicle

The vehicle type, lock design, condition, access and service risks are reviewed.

Attempt Entry

A vehicle-entry attempt is made only when the service can be performed using available methods and equipment.

Lost Keys, Broken Keys and Key-Fob Problems

Key problem	Appropriate service
Keys are locked inside the passenger compartment	Mobile vehicle lockout assistance may be appropriate.
Keys are locked in the trunk	Entry may help only when an interior trunk release is available and operable. Direct trunk opening is not guaranteed.
Every vehicle key is lost or missing	A qualified automotive locksmith or dealership is generally required.
The key is broken inside the ignition or lock	Specialized locksmith extraction or ignition repair is required.
The key fob battery or programming has failed	A locksmith, dealership or key-fob service may be required.
The door, latch or lock is mechanically damaged	A locksmith, body shop or repair facility may be required.

Services Not Included With a Lockout

No cutting, copying or replacing vehicle keys
No key-fob programming
No ignition repair or replacement
No broken-key extraction
No repair of damaged locks, handles, windows or door latches
No bypassing advanced security or immobilizer systems
No direct trunk entry when the passenger compartment cannot provide access
No service without adequate ownership or authorization verification

Vehicle Lockout Safety

If a child, vulnerable person or animal is locked inside a vehicle—especially during hot, cold or dangerous conditions—call 911 immediately. Do not wait for ordinary roadside dispatch.

Remain in a safe location away from traffic
Keep your telephone available for dispatch communication
Tell dispatch whether the engine is running
Report children, vulnerable people or animals inside immediately
Do not break a window unless directed by emergency authorities

Highway Rules and Service Restrictions

Special-route pricing: Eligible vehicle lockout service on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990 starts at $175, plus applicable mileage and other charges.

No lockout service for vehicles physically stopped on I-90
No lockout service for vehicles physically stopped on I-190
No service in an unsafe traffic lane or inaccessible location
No unauthorized vehicle entry
No out-of-state service

The service vehicle may travel on I-90 and I-190 but cannot stop on either interstate to provide lockout, roadside or towing service. Drivers physically stopped on I-90 or I-190 should contact an authorized highway provider or emergency authority.

When Towing May Be Needed

Opening the vehicle does not guarantee that it can be driven. A separate towing service may be needed when the keys are missing, the ignition is damaged, the battery is discharged, the vehicle has mechanical problems or it cannot be operated safely after entry.

Eligible vehicles may be transported to a dealership, locksmith, repair facility, home or another approved destination within current service, route and equipment limits.

Car Lockout Service Areas

Eligible lockout assistance may be available throughout Buffalo and confirmed surrounding Western New York communities, subject to current availability, vehicle eligibility, route and safe access.

Buffalo

Amherst

Cheektowaga

West Seneca

Hamburg

Lackawanna

Lancaster

Depew

Blasdell

Orchard Park

Tonawanda

North Tonawanda

Niagara Falls

Grand Island

Lockport

Williamsville

Visit the service-area hub for additional location information.

Car Lockout Service Questions

How much does car lockout service cost?

Eligible light-duty car lockout service starts at $80. The first 10 enroute miles are included, followed by $2 per additional enroute mile. Applicable time, route, access and tax charges may apply.

Can you unlock my car when the keys are inside?

An eligible vehicle may be opened when ownership or authorization can be confirmed and available methods can be used without unreasonable risk of damage.

Do I need proof that I own or control the vehicle?

Proof of ownership, registration, identification, rental documentation or business authorization may be required before or immediately after entry.

Can you make a new vehicle key?

No. Buffalo Towing Services does not cut, copy, program or replace keys or key fobs. A qualified automotive locksmith or dealership may be required.

Can you remove a broken key from the ignition?

No. Broken-key extraction and ignition repair require an appropriately equipped automotive locksmith or repair facility.

Do you unlock medium or heavy vehicles?

Qualifying medium and heavy vehicle lockout service is handled separately and starts at $150. The vehicle, ownership authorization, lock design and safe access must be confirmed.

Can you provide lockout service on I-90 or I-190?

No service is provided for vehicles physically stopped on I-90 or I-190. The service vehicle may travel on those interstates to reach another eligible location.

Can you provide lockout service on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990?

Eligible service may be available on those routes and starts at $175, plus applicable mileage and other charges.

Related Roadside and Towing Services

Locked Out of Your Vehicle?

Enter the vehicle and exact location through the online quote page, or call Buffalo Towing Services to check current lockout availability.

Call 716-324-1023 Request Lockout Service