Last updated: February 2026
That sinking feeling when the door clicks shut and you see your keys on the seat? We know it. Stuart Locksmiths handles car lockouts across Stuart, FL every single day, and we get there in 20 to 30 minutes on average. The service costs between $55 and $95 for most standard vehicles, and we're done in under 18 minutes without scratching your paint or damaging your door frame.
You don't need a tow truck. You don't need to wait 90 minutes for roadside assistance. One call to (772) 362-5731 and a licensed technician heads your way immediately.
We cover all of Stuart and the surrounding Martin County area, from the Treasure Coast Square parking lot on US-1 to the boat ramps at Leighton Park, from the neighborhoods off Kanner Highway to the shopping centers near Indian Street Bridge. If you're stuck somewhere in Stuart, we're close.
How Our Car Lockout Process Works in Stuart
Every car lockout call follows the same fast, predictable process. No confusion, no surprise fees, no waiting around.
- Call us at (772) 362-5731. Tell us your exact location and the make, model, and year of your car. That 60-second conversation lets us grab the right tools before we leave.
- We confirm your ETA. Most Stuart locations are within 15 minutes of us. We'll give you a realistic arrival window, not a vague "someone's on the way."
- Technician arrives and verifies ownership. We'll ask for your ID and registration. This isn't us being difficult, it's standard practice to protect you and the vehicle owner.
- We open the car using professional non-destructive methods. Slim jims, air wedges, long-reach tools. The exact technique depends on your vehicle. A 2022 Honda CR-V gets opened differently than a 2015 Ford F-150.
- You're back in your car and on your way. The whole thing typically takes 10 to 18 minutes once we're on site. We accept cash, card, and Zelle.
Car Lockout Pricing in Stuart, FL
Flat, honest pricing. No fuel surcharges, no "after-hours" surprises for calls made before midnight, no trip fees piled on top.
| Situation | Typical Price Range | Avg. Time On Site |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car lockout (domestic vehicles) | $55 - $75 | 10-15 min |
| Import / luxury vehicle lockout | $75 - $95 | 12-18 min |
| Truck or SUV lockout | $65 - $85 | 10-18 min |
| Lockout + spare key cut on site | $95 - $145 | 20-30 min |
Prices confirmed over the phone before we dispatch. What we quote is what you pay.
Lost your only key entirely? That's a different job. Check our Car Key Replacement page for full pricing on new keys, including transponder and smart key options. If your key snapped off inside the lock cylinder, our Broken Key Extraction service handles that separately.
Why Stuart Drivers Call Stuart Locksmiths First
Look, there are a few options when you're locked out in Stuart. You can call your insurance roadside assistance and wait 45 to 90 minutes for a contractor they've never vetted. You can call a national chain that sends whoever's available. Or you can call a local shop that's been doing this specifically in Martin County for years.
Here's what makes us different in practice, not just on a website:
- We're actually local. Our technicians know Stuart streets, not just GPS directions. We know that the parking garage off SW Flagler Ave gets bad cell service. We know the Publix on SE Ocean Boulevard and the one on Monterey Road, and we know which entrance to use.
- Licensed and insured. Florida requires automotive locksmiths to hold a Class E license. Ours are current. We carry full liability insurance on every job.
- No damage guarantee. If we scratch your car opening it, we own that. It hasn't happened on any of our 1,200+ completed lockout calls, but the policy exists because we stand behind the work.
- We work on all makes. From a 1998 Toyota Camry to a 2025 Tesla Model 3, we've opened it. Newer vehicles with push-button entry and proximity sensors require different tools, and we carry them.
- Transparent pricing before dispatch. You know the cost before the technician rolls out. Period.
Stuart's summers are brutal. Sitting outside in 94-degree heat on Monterey Road while you wait for help isn't just unpleasant, it can be dangerous. Speed matters here more than in most cities.
Car Lockout Statistics Worth Knowing
You're not alone in this. It happens constantly, to careful people, not just distracted ones.
| Statistic | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated car lockouts per year in the US | 4 million+ | (Source: AAA) |
| Average roadside assistance wait time | 45-90 minutes | (Source: AAA member data) |
| Automotive locksmith jobs that involve lockouts | Approx. 38% of all calls | (Source: ALOA Industry Survey) |
| Vehicles with push-button / proximity entry (2024 model year) | Over 74% of new vehicles sold | (Source: NHTSA vehicle data) |
That last number matters. Newer push-button cars still lock with keys inside more than people expect, especially when a fob battery dies unexpectedly. We've opened dozens of them right here in Stuart.
If you're also dealing with a fob that's stopped working, see our Key Fob Programming & Replacement page. And for situations where your ignition is the problem, not just the door, our Ignition Repair & Replacement service has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can you reach me for a car lockout in Stuart, FL?
Most Stuart locations are 20 to 30 minutes from our technicians. If you're near downtown Stuart, Willoughby Creek, or along US-1, it's often closer to 15 minutes. We give you a real ETA when you call, not a vague window.
Will opening my car lock damage the door or paint?
Not when it's done right. We use professional air wedge and long-reach tools designed specifically for non-destructive entry. In over 1,200 car lockout calls, we've never filed a damage claim. That said, older vehicles with worn door seals occasionally show minor marks, which is why we work slowly and carefully on those.
Do I need to show ID before you open my car?
Yes. We'll ask for a photo ID and your vehicle registration or proof of ownership. This protects you and us. Any locksmith who opens a car without verifying ownership is a liability risk, not a convenience.
My key is locked inside but I also need a spare made. Can you do both?
Absolutely. We carry key cutting equipment on our service vehicles. For most standard keys, we can cut a spare on the spot after we get you in. Transponder keys and smart keys take a bit longer and cost more. Full details on our Car Key Replacement page.
What if my car has push-button start and no traditional key slot?
We handle those regularly. Push-button entry vehicles still have a physical door lock cylinder, usually hidden behind the door handle cap. We access it the same way, just with slightly different tools. A dead fob battery is the most common reason people get locked out of these vehicles.
Is your car lockout service available at night or on weekends?
Yes. We take calls 7 days a week including evenings. Late-night calls after midnight may carry a small after-hours fee, which we'll always disclose when you call. No hidden charges.
My child is locked inside the car. What should I do?
Call 911 first if the child is in distress or the car is hot. Then call us. In Florida's heat, a car interior can reach 130 degrees within minutes. Emergency responders can break a window safely. Once the child is safe, we can handle the vehicle and door repairs.
Can you open any make and model of car?
Almost all of them. We've opened everything from classic American trucks to current European luxury vehicles. A small number of ultra-high-security vehicles (certain Teslas with specific software locks, for example) may require dealer involvement, and we'll tell you that upfront rather than waste your time.
How much does a car lockout cost in Stuart, FL?
Standard domestic vehicles run $55 to $75. Import and luxury vehicles are $75 to $95. Trucks and SUVs fall in the $65 to $85 range. If you need a spare key cut at the same time, add $40 to $60 depending on key type. You'll get an exact quote when you call.
What if I'm not in downtown Stuart? Do you cover the rest of Martin County?
Yes. We serve all of Stuart plus Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, and beyond. Response times increase slightly for outlying areas, but we cover the full county.
Should I call you or my roadside assistance for a car lockout?
If your roadside plan is paid up and you're not in a hurry or a dangerous location, sure, use it. But the average wait through roadside assistance in this area runs 45 to 75 minutes, and they're dispatching third-party contractors anyway. If you're in a dark parking lot, in the heat, or in a hurry, calling us directly is faster and often the same price or cheaper after you factor in deductibles.
What if my trunk is locked and my keys are inside the trunk, not the cabin?
We handle trunk lockouts too. On most vehicles we access the cabin first and release the trunk from inside. On older vehicles without a cabin-to-trunk release, we work the trunk lock directly. Either way, same pricing as a standard lockout.
Locked Out Right Now? Call Stuart Locksmiths.
Forget waiting around. One call gets a licensed, local technician heading your way in minutes.
We also handle Residential Lockout and Commercial Lockout situations throughout Stuart and Martin County. Full list of everything we do on our Services page.
Call now: (772) 362-5731
Available 7 days a week. Real person answers. Real ETA before we hang up.