Locked Out of Your House? Here's Exactly What to Do RIGHT NOW
Being locked out of your house is one of the most frustrating, stressful situations any homeowner faces. One moment you're going about your day, the next you're standing outside your Pasco County home unable to get in. The good news? You're in the right place, and help is available right now.
🚨 LOCKED OUT RIGHT NOW? Don't Wait!
Call (727) 942-6177 - We're On Our Way!Immediate Steps: What to Do RIGHT NOW
If you're locked out of your house at this very moment, follow these steps immediately:
- Step 1: Call A-Area Locksmith FIRST- Call (727) 942-6177) immediately. While we're on our way (15-30 minutes for most Pasco County locations), you can try the other steps below. But call us FIRST so help is already coming.
- Step 2: Get to Safety- If it's nighttime, dark, or you feel unsafe, get in your car (if accessible) with doors locked, or go to a well-lit public area. Your safety is the priority.
- Step 3: Check for Open Windows or Doors- Safely check if any windows or back doors were left unlocked. Check your garage door (if you have a remote in your car). But DO NOT attempt dangerous entry methods.
- Step 4: Call Family Members With Keys- Does a spouse, roommate, family member, or trusted neighbor have a spare key? Can they bring it to you?
- Step 5: Check for Hidden Spare Keys- Do you have a spare key hidden outside (under mat, fake rock, etc.)? Now's the time to retrieve it.
- Step 6: Have Your ID Ready- When our locksmith arrives, you'll need to prove you're the homeowner or resident. Have your driver's license ready (and utility bill or mail showing your address if your ID has a different address).
CRITICAL: DO NOT Do These Things!
When locked out, your frustration may lead to bad decisions. Here's what you should NEVER do:
- Don't break windows or glass doors- You'll pay hundreds in glass replacement PLUS still need a locksmith to secure the opening. Just call us instead.
- Don't try to pick the lock yourself- YouTube videos make it look easy. It's not. You'll likely damage your lock, making it more expensive to fix.
- Don't kick in your door- You'll damage the door, frame, and lock. Repairs cost $500-$1,500. Our lockout service costs $75-150.
- Don't try dangerous window entry- Climbing through windows causes injuries (cuts, falls) and property damage. It's not worth it.
- Don't call unverified locksmiths- Scam locksmiths quote low prices then charge $300-500 after drilling your lock unnecessarily. Use established local companies like A-Area Locksmith.
How A-Area Locksmith Gets You Back Inside Fast
Here's exactly what happens when you call us for a lockout in Pasco County:
- You Call (727) 942-6177) - Speak with a real person immediately (not an answering service). Tell us you're locked out and provide your address.
- We Give You a Clear Price Quote- Upfront pricing over the phone. Typically $75-150 for standard residential lockouts. No surprises.
- We Dispatch Our Nearest Locksmith- Our mobile unit heads to your location immediately. We call you with an accurate ETA (usually 15-30 minutes).
- We Verify Your Identity- Upon arrival, we verify you're the homeowner/resident (ID check). This protects YOU from unauthorized entry.
- We Open Your Door Safely- Using professional locksmith tools, we open your door WITHOUT DAMAGE in 99% of cases. No broken locks, no damaged doors.
- You're Back Inside- Usually within 5-10 minutes of our arrival, you're back in your home. Total time from your call to being inside: typically 25-40 minutes.
Common Lockout Situations in Pasco County
Over 25 years serving Pasco County, we've seen every lockout scenario. Here are the most common:
1. The "Door Closed Behind Me" Lockout
You step outside to get the mail, take out trash, or check on something. The door closes and locks behind you. Keys are inside. Phone might be inside too. This is our most common call. Solution: We arrive, verify your identity, and get you back inside quickly.
2. The Lost/Misplaced Keys Lockout
You can't find your keys anywhere—purse, pockets, car, anywhere. You're locked out with no way in. Solution: We get you inside, then can rekey your locks if you're worried about lost keys falling into wrong hands.
3. The Broken Key Lockout
Your key broke off in the lock. Half is in your hand, half is stuck in the cylinder. Solution: We extract the broken key fragment and make you a new key on the spot.
4. The Wrong Key Lockout
You accidentally grabbed your office keys instead of house keys. Or your neighbor's keys. You're standing outside with useless keys. Solution: Quick lockout service gets you inside while you sort out your keys.
5. The Lock Malfunction Lockout
Your key won't turn, the lock is jammed, or the mechanism failed. The lock stopped working. Solution: We open your door and repair or replace the malfunctioning lock immediately.
6. The Post-Party/Event Lockout
After hosting a gathering, you step outside and realize the door locked behind you. Guests are gone, keys are inside. Solution: Fast service gets you back to cleanup mode.
Still Locked Out? Stop Reading and Call NOW!
Every Minute Counts - We're Already On Our Way to Help You
(727) 942-6177How Much Does Lockout Service Cost?
A-Area Locksmith provides transparent, upfront pricing for Pasco County lockouts:
- Standard Residential Lockout (Business Hours)- $75-$100 for most homes. Includes service call, opening your door, and getting you inside safely.
- After-Hours Lockout- $100-$150 for nights (after 6 PM), weekends, or holidays. Still significantly less than breaking windows or kicking in doors.
- High-Security Lock Lockout- $150-$200 if you have high-security locks that require specialized tools and expertise.
- What's Included- Service call, professional lock opening, verification services, and getting you safely back inside your home.
- What's NOT Included- If you want locks rekeyed after getting inside (for security), that's a separate service we can perform immediately.
Compare this to alternatives: Window replacement: $300-$800. Door/frame repair after kicking in: $500-$1,500. Emergency room visit after injury: $1,000+. Our professional service is by far the smartest choice.
Preventing Future Lockouts
Once we get you back inside, here's how to prevent this happening again:
- Always Have a Spare Key- Give a spare to a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend. This is the #1 lockout prevention method.
- Install a Smart Lock- Smart locks with keypads or phone access mean you never need physical keys. Perfect for forgetful people.
- Hide a Spare Key- Get a realistic hide-a-key product (not obvious fake rocks). Hide it in a non-obvious location.
- Develop a "Key Check" Habit- Before closing any door, pat your pocket/purse to verify you have keys. Make it automatic.
- Keep a Car Spare- If you have a garage with car access, keep a house key hidden in your vehicle.
- Use Doorstops- When taking out trash or getting mail, prop the door open with a doorstop. Can't lock yourself out if the door can't close.
Pro Tip from Bryan Ranson
"After 25+ years as a locksmith, I've responded to thousands of lockouts. The people who NEVER call me back for lockouts are the ones who immediately installed a keypad deadbolt after their first lockout. It's a $150-200 one-time investment that eliminates lockouts forever. No keys needed—just remember your code. It's the single best investment you can make."
Frequently Asked Questions: Home Lockouts
How fast can you get to my Pasco County home?
We typically arrive within 15-30 minutes anywhere in Pasco County during normal conditions. Your exact time depends on your specific location and current traffic. We provide an accurate ETA when you call (727) 942-6177).
Will you damage my door or lock?
In 99% of lockouts, we open your door with absolutely zero damage using professional locksmith tools. We only recommend drilling locks as an absolute last resort on high-security locks that cannot be picked, and we discuss this with you first.
What if I don't have my ID with me?
We need to verify you're the homeowner/resident before opening the door. If your ID is inside, we can use other proof: utility bill from your mailbox, neighbors who can vouch for you, mail addressed to you, or other documentation. We work with you to verify identity safely.
Do you charge more for night/weekend lockouts?
We have a modest after-hours fee ($20-50 more than daytime rates), but we're available 24/7/365. Lock emergencies don't wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Can you make me a new key while you're here?
Absolutely! If you've lost your keys entirely (not just locked them inside), we can rekey your locks and provide new keys immediately. This ensures lost keys can't be used by anyone who might find them.
What if my lock is broken, not just locked?
We carry common lock replacement parts on our mobile units. If your lock is broken or malfunctioning, we can often repair or replace it immediately, ensuring your home is secure before we leave.
Should I call a locksmith or try to get in myself?
Always call a professional locksmith. Attempting DIY entry usually results in damage costing far more than professional service. Plus, you risk injury. Our service is fast, affordable, and damage-free.
Can you help if I'm locked out of an apartment?
Yes, but apartments require property manager/landlord approval. We'll need to contact them to verify you're a tenant before providing service. Have your rental office's contact info ready.
What if my keys are locked in my car AND I'm locked out of my house?
We provide both automotive and residential locksmith services. We can help with both situations—often at a package discount since we're already there.
How do I know you're a legitimate locksmith and not a scammer?
Great question! A-Area Locksmith has been serving Pasco County since 1999 with thousands of 5-star reviews. We provide upfront pricing, arrive in marked vehicles, carry proper licensing, and never drill locks unless absolutely necessary (and only with your approval). Scammers do the opposite.
Why Choose A-Area Locksmith for Lockouts
When you're locked out in Pasco County, you need fast, reliable, honest service. Here's why thousands of Pasco County residents call us:
- True 24/7 Availability- Real people answer calls day and night. No voicemail, no answering services.
- 15-30 Minute Response- We arrive fast anywhere in Pasco County.
- Transparent Pricing- Upfront quotes over the phone. No hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Damage-Free Entry- Professional tools mean we open doors without damage 99% of the time.
- 25+ Years Experience- We've handled thousands of lockouts. We know what we're doing.
- Licensed & Insured- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection.
- Local Family Business- We live and work in Pasco County. Our reputation matters to us.
🚨 Locked Out? We're Here to Help 24/7!
Fast Response • No Damage • Fair Pricing • 25+ Years Trusted
Call (727) 942-6177 NOWDon't let a lockout ruin your day (or night). Call A-Area Locksmith at (727) 942-6177) and we'll have you back inside your Pasco County home in no time—safely, professionally, affordably.
Serving New Port Richey , Trinity , Holiday , Tarpon Springs , Palm Harbor , Hudson , and all of Pasco County with 24/7 emergency locksmith services.
