Back to top

Encompass® Insurance Insights & Articles



What To Do If You're Locked Out of Your House

Being locked out of your house is not fun, especially during inclement weather or if you have small children in tow. Thankfully, you can try several methods to help you get back inside.

Women searching her purse near a locked door.

Stay Calm

Getting locked out of your house is frustrating, and it's easy to feel worried, frazzled or stressed. While your first reaction might be to panic or call 911, try to relax. You can more easily assess your options and think of a creative solution when your mind is clear and calm.

Check for an Unlocked Door or Window

Even though your main door is locked, you could possibly access your home through an unlocked door or window elsewhere around the house. Check the back door and the garage first. Then move onto the ground-level windows.

If you do find an open window, carefully remove the screen. Then, lift the window and look inside. Consider any obstacles like furniture or sharp objects before trying to enter your home. For security purposes, enter your home through a back door or window. This way, you won't attract attention from the neighborhood watch or passersby.

Call for Help

Reach out to family, friends and neighbors for assistance. A family member, neighbor, landlord, or sitter might have a spare key you can use. So, send a text or call to ask for some additional help.

Contact a Locksmith

A professional locksmith will use specialized tools to unlock your door, or they can drill out the existing lock and replace it. The cost for this service depends on your location, time of day and specific lock. Also, understand that you may need to wait a few hours if the locksmith is busy. However, the investment protects your door and helps you safely reenter your home.

For additional safety, contact a reputable locksmith and check their license if that's a state requirement. Also check the technician's ID, and be prepared to show your ID, too.

Prevent Future Lockouts

After you gain reentry into your home, consider ways to prevent a similar situation in the future. For example, give a spare key to a neighbor or friend. Or hide a key somewhere on your property. You could also install a keyless or smart option that unlocks via your fingerprint or smartphone. Just be sure your lockout prevention methods also protect your home from burglars.

Update Your Home Insurance Policy

When you know how to get into your house despite a locked door, you gain peace of mind. Remember to contact your insurance agent and update your home insurance policy, too. Adequately insure your property and possessions to help protect your home and family.


Family in the kitchen.

Cover home, auto & more.

Encompass Insurance offers protection for the things that matter most.

Find an agent

The general information contained in The Encompass Blog is provided as a courtesy, and is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this website are subject to periodic change without notice. Information provided on The Encompass Blog is not intended to replace official sources. Although attempts will be made to ensure that the information is accurate and timely, the information is presented "as is" and without warranties. Information contained on The Encompass Blog should not be mistaken for professional advice. Information contained herein should not be considered error-free and should not be used as the exclusive basis for decision-making. Use of website information is strictly voluntary and at the user's sole risk. We encourage you to obtain personal advice from qualified professionals when making decision regarding your specific situation.

Other resources linked from these pages are maintained by independent providers. The Encompass Blog does not monitor all linked resources and cannot guarantee their accuracy. Statements, views and opinions included in an independent provider's material are strictly those of the author(s). These views may not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of The Encompass Blog, the Encompass family of companies or its agents, officers or employees.

ECC Monitor: OK