What to do right now
- If a child or a pet is locked inside, call 911 first — do not wait for a locksmith.
- Make sure you and the car are somewhere safe, away from traffic.
- Call us with the vehicle’s year, make and model and its exact location.
- Have your ID ready — we verify ownership before opening a vehicle.
Common lockout spots on the island
Lockouts happen everywhere: grocery and Town Center parking lots, the I-90 park & ride, trailheads and park lots at Luther Burbank and Pioneer Park, and of course home driveways along East and West Mercer Way. Wherever you are on Mercer Island, tell us the nearest cross-street or landmark.
Keys lost, not just locked in?
If the keys are not inside the car at all, opening the door will not get you driving. In that case we can usually make a new key on the spot — see lost car keys.
Locked out at the light rail station?
The park-and-ride garage at the Mercer Island light rail station is a commuter spot where lockouts happen at every hour. Tell us the level and the closest stairwell or row, and we will meet you at the vehicle.
What we need on site
- Photo ID — we confirm the vehicle is yours before opening it
- Registration or another proof of ownership, once the car is open if it is locked inside
- The vehicle’s exact location on the island
Trunk lockouts and smart-key lockouts
Keys locked in the trunk, or a push-to-start car that locked itself with the smart key inside, are common situations. The approach depends on the vehicle, which is why we ask for the year, make and model first.
Tesla lockouts
Locked out of a Tesla on the island? We can open it. For Tesla vehicles our service is lockout only — we do not make, program or replace Tesla keys, key cards or key fobs.
Common questions
Are you really available at night?
Yes. Car Keys Mercer Island is open 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
How do you open the car?
We use purpose-made automotive entry tools, not improvised methods. If anything about your specific vehicle carries a risk, we explain it before we start.
Should I call 911 if my child or pet is locked in the car?
Yes. If a child or a pet is locked inside a vehicle, call 911 first. Do not wait for a locksmith.
Can you open a car with a push-to-start smart key locked inside?
Usually, yes. Smart-key cars sometimes lock with the key inside; we open the vehicle and you can drive away with the key you already have.
Can you open a locked Tesla?
Yes — for Tesla vehicles we offer lockout service only. We can get you back into a locked Tesla, but we do not make, program or replace Tesla keys, key cards or key fobs.
What if my keys are locked in the trunk?
Trunk lockouts are common. The approach depends on the vehicle — some open through the cabin, others need direct trunk access. Give us the year, make and model and we will explain.