Keys locked inside, keys left in the trunk, a key fob that won't respond—being locked out is one of the most common roadside calls we take, and one of the fastest to resolve. Dr. Tow's technicians carry professional lockout tools and open cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans without damaging the door, lock, weather seals, or window. We serve all of Tampa and Hillsborough County, plus Polk, Pasco, and Hernando counties, 24 hours a day. Call (813) 736-7815 and we'll dispatch the nearest technician.
Florida heat makes a closed car dangerous within minutes. If a child or animal is locked inside a vehicle, call 911 immediately, then call us. Emergency responders are authorized to break a window if necessary, and we will still come to open the vehicle or help afterward. Never wait on a tow truck when someone's safety is at risk.
Where you're locked out changes how we approach the job, and we work all of these areas every day:
See the full list of cities and counties we serve.
We're a locally owned company, not a national call center that subcontracts your job to whoever is available. Our technicians work Tampa Bay every day, know the parking garages and shopping centers where lockouts happen, and arrive in clearly marked Dr. Tow trucks. Most lockouts are finished within 15 minutes of arrival. If we can't open your vehicle without risking damage—rare, but possible on some high-security or exotic vehicles—we'll tell you before we start and help you arrange a locksmith or a tow instead.
Lockouts are also one of the services we can often bill directly to a roadside assistance plan or auto insurance policy. Have your policy or member number handy when you call and we'll confirm coverage.
Answers to the questions Tampa Bay drivers ask most when they're locked out.
No. We use professional automotive lockout tools designed to open doors without scratching paint, bending frames, or damaging door wiring, weather seals, or side airbags. If a particular vehicle can only be opened with risk of damage, we tell you first and offer alternatives.
Yes, in most cases. Keyless-entry vehicles still have mechanical door locks that our tools can operate. If the fob itself is dead or lost and the vehicle will not start, we can jump-start or tow it to a dealer or locksmith.
We don't cut or program keys. If your keys are lost, we'll open the vehicle so you can retrieve your belongings and tow it to a locksmith or dealership that can make a replacement.
A lockout is a flat service fee that we quote over the phone before dispatching a truck. The rate is the same day or night, weekday or weekend. Many roadside assistance plans and insurance policies cover lockouts, and we can often bill them directly.
Once the vehicle is open we may ask for a photo ID and registration or proof of ownership. It's a quick check that protects you and other vehicle owners from unauthorized entry.
Yes. We open cargo vans, pickups, and fleet vehicles the same way we open cars. Motorcycles with locked ignitions or storage compartments usually need a locksmith, but we can tow the bike to one.
Yes. Lockout service runs 24 hours a day, every day, in rain or shine. If lightning or flooding makes the scene unsafe we may ask you to wait in a nearby building until the technician arrives.
Call 911 first. In Florida heat a closed car becomes dangerous within minutes, and emergency responders can break a window if needed. Then call us and we will come to help with the vehicle.
Still have questions? Contact us
