A dead car battery and being locked out of a vehicle are all too common experiences. Fortunately, at times like these, a car insurance policy that covers dead battery and lockout service can turn serious car trouble into just a mild inconvenience. This coverage can help pay for the cost of many crucial roadside assistance services in the event of an emergency.
Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the right car lockout service insurance. They know where to find the best dead battery roadside assistance and other types of coverage that can assist you. But first, here's a guide to lockout and dead battery service coverage to help you get started.
Key Takeaways - Lockout and Dead Battery Service
Towing and roadside assistance coverage is an optional endorsement that can be added to an auto insurance policy.
This coverage can pay for the cost of battery jump-starts, key lockout services, and electric vehicle battery charging.
Roadside assistance coverage tends to be very affordable, costing an average of just $10 to $20 per year.
Working with a local independent insurance agent is strongly recommended, as they can help shop and compare roadside assistance coverage from multiple carriers near you to find the best deal.
Does Car Insurance Cover Lockout and Battery Service?
Sometimes, yes. While some car insurance policies cover emergency lockout service and battery service, not all do. When this coverage is included, towing and roadside assistance coverage is the portion of the policy that helps reimburse you for the costs of unlocking your car or jump-starting a dead battery.
Towing and roadside assistance is an optional coverage that can be added to standard car insurance policies. It covers things like flat tires, fuel delivery, lockouts, dead batteries, towing, and more. If you end up stranded while out on the road, your towing and roadside assistance coverage can pay for a professional service to come out and tow your vehicle or perform necessary mechanic services (e.g., jump-starting your battery) to help you get your car home or to a repair shop.
Most carriers require you to have comprehensive coverage, and sometimes even collision coverage, before you can add roadside assistance coverage to your auto policy. An independent insurance agent can help you add all the types of coverage you need to an existing auto policy.
Per-incident and per-year coverage limits
Many carriers cap your per-incident lockout coverage limits at $75 to $100 and restrict you to three to five service calls per year. However, some carriers cap locksmith insurance reimbursement limits at $50 to $100, even if your other roadside services have higher per-event limits. Be sure to review your policy with your independent insurance agent to be certain of your coverage limits.
Why Do You Need Battery and Lockout Service Coverage?
Adding battery service and lockout service to your car insurance policy is a great way to be prepared for situations when your car battery dies, you lock your keys inside, or even when you lose your keys entirely.
This type of coverage might be most beneficial for people who have a long work commute, take long or frequent road trips, own an older vehicle, don't have an active AAA membership, don't have a premium credit card with roadside benefits, or lack vehicle repair and maintenance experience. Likewise, if you think you won't be able to afford a tow or a battery jump at a moment's notice, adding towing and roadside assistance coverage to your car insurance policy can be a low-cost way to prepare for these types of events in advance.
Keep in mind that not every insurance company automatically covers battery and lockout service with its towing and roadside assistance coverage. Some might offer different levels of coverage for different services, and some may simply not include both services in their standard coverage.
Your best bet is to let your independent insurance agent to explain your coverage to you. A local agent can make sure you find a policy that best suits your lockout and battery service coverage needs.
How Does Battery and Lockout Service Coverage Work?
When you need help, you'll need to call a designated roadside assistance phone number found on your car insurance ID card. Most carriers also allow you to access assistance through a mobile phone app.
The insurance company will dispatch a local service technician (e.g, a locksmith, tow truck, or mechanic) to help you either unlock your car, jumpstart your battery, or tow it to a designated location.
Typically, you won't need to file a claim for battery and lockout service if you have towing and roadside assistance coverage. Instead, you'll have to pay for certain services (e.g., the cost of a replacement battery) while the insurance company picks up the rest (e.g., jump-start, locksmith service, towing, etc.)
If you receive some type of roadside assistance but pay out of pocket, you can usually submit your expenses to your insurance company for reimbursement. Reimbursement claims for out-of-pocket service are typically settled in 7-14 business days.
How Much Do Lockout and Dead Battery Services Cost in 2026?
Emergency lockout service coverage costs an average of $10 to $20 per year from most carriers, or approximately $1 to $3 per month. The cost of your coverage depends on the carrier you go through, however. An independent insurance agent can help you find affordable battery service car insurance in your area.
Cost of Car Lockout Service Without Insurance
If you've been wondering, "How much does it cost to unlock my car?" Just one door unlock can range from $166 to $192, so having car key lockout insurance can be a much more affordable alternative. Even a less expensive car key lockout service can range from $30 to $150 if you're within close proximity to the shop and call during standard business hours. If you've completely lost your keys and need a replacement, modern car key fobs can set you back $125 to $400 to have them cut and programmed.
Further, if you've wondered, "Does insurance pay for a jump start?" The answer is yes, as long as you have a policy that includes jump-start coverage car insurance. Ask your independent insurance agent about any car insurance discounts you may qualify for that could help reduce the cost of this coverage.
Cost of a jump-start and battery replacement
A single jump-start can cost between $50 and $150, with the national average being $90 in 2026. On-site battery replacement usually costs $150 to $250, in addition to the price of the battery. Roadside assistance for battery jumps can help pay a portion of your costs. Auto insurance for a battery replacement usually pays for the jump-start labor costs, but not the replacement battery itself.
Insurance add-on vs. AAA vs. standalone membership
Wondering if roadside assistance coverage is cheaper than an AAA membership? The table below compares the average cost of roadside assistance car insurance and the various tiers of AAA membership.
| Roadside Assistance Coverage | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Roadside Assistance Coverage | $10–$20 per year |
| AAA Classic | $64.99 per year |
| AAA Plus | $99.99 per year |
| AAA Premier | $124.99 per year |
Keep in mind that roadside assistance insurance attaches to the vehicle on your auto policy, while an AAA membership follows the member as a driver or passenger in any vehicle.
What Lockout and Battery Service Does Not Cover
There are certain common coverage exclusions to be aware of, such as the following:
- Replacement keys
- Key fob reprogramming
- Lock or ignition repair
- Replacement battery parts
- Dealer-only towing distance overages
- Damage caused by the lockout entry
- At-home service (some carriers)
So, does insurance cover a keyless lockout fob? From the list above, you can see that you'll likely have to pay out of your own pocket to replace a key fob and have a new one programmed. However, your coverage can pay for the cost of the lockout service itself.
What to Do if You're Locked Out or Have a Dead Battery
If you find yourself asking what to do when locked out of a car at night or any other time, just follow this simple checklist:
- Call 911 first if a pet or child is locked inside.
- Move to a safe, well-lit area.
- Call the roadside assistance number on your insurance ID card or mobile app.
- Provide your vehicle's year, make, and model, and your exact location to dispatch.
- Ask the dispatcher for an ETA.
- Keep receipts from the service if you're paying out of pocket to submit for reimbursement.
Your independent insurance agent can help you submit a car insurance claim to get reimbursed through your roadside assistance coverage.
How to Keep Your Car Battery Maintained
With proper maintenance, you can potentially improve your car battery’s longevity. Here are a few tips to keep your car battery well-maintained.
- Keep it clean. Be sure the terminals are free from corrosion and buildup that could block or interfere with the electrical current.
- Consider wrapping your car battery with an insulated battery blanket to protect it against exposure during extreme hot and cold weather.
- Before you jump-start your car in cold weather, warm up the battery by taking it out and bringing it indoors. A warm battery is much easier to jumpstart.
- Take longer drives so the alternator can fully recharge.
- Test your battery health annually after three years of vehicle ownership.
- Replace your battery proactively when its cold-cranking amps drop, rather than waiting for failure.
FAQs About Lockout and Dead Battery Service Coverage
How much does it cost to unlock a car in 2026?
It can cost $50 to $150 for a standard locksmith service, between $100 to $250 for luxury vehicles, and an additional $50 to $75 for after-hours calls. With roadside assistance coverage, the labor is typically reimbursed up to a per-incident cap, which is often $75 to $100.
Does car insurance pay for a locksmith?
Standard auto insurance doesn't cover a locksmith, but if you have an optional towing and roadside assistance endorsement, this coverage does. Roadside assistance coverage can reimburse you for the locksmith labor up to a per-incident limit, which is often $50 to $100. However, replacement keys and key fob reprogramming are typically not covered.
How much does a jump-start cost without insurance?
Jump-starts cost $50 to $150 for standard vehicles in 2026, with the national average being about $90. Premium rates of an additional $75 to $150 are applied for calls made during nights and weekends. Roadside assistance coverage typically covers the jump-start labor in full up to your policy's per-incident cap.
How many lockout or battery service calls does my policy cover per year?
Most insurer roadside assistance plans cap covered incidents at three to five service calls per policy year. After you've surpassed this limit, additional calls must be paid for out of your own pocket. You can also try to increase your frequency limit at your next policy renewal.
Will using lockout or battery service raise my car insurance rate?
No, a single roadside incident in a year typically does not affect rates at most carriers. However, two or more in a year can flag your account and raise your premiums at renewal, or trigger a non-renewal at some carriers. AAA and credit card roadside services don't appear on your insurance records.
Does roadside assistance cover EV battery charging?
Often, yes. Most major carriers in 2026 include either mobile EV charging or a tow to the nearest charging station as part of roadside assistance coverage. The cost of the electricity itself is generally the policyholder's responsibility, however, similar to a fuel delivery service. Ask your independent insurance agent to review the terms of your EV dead battery roadside coverage with you.
Is AAA better than roadside insurance for lockouts?
AAA costs more annually, but offers more service calls per year, applies to any vehicle the member is in as a driver or passenger, and includes lockout service in every membership tier. Roadside assistance insurance is cheaper, but attaches to the listed vehicle and works best for single-vehicle households.
What should I do if I'm locked out of my car at night?
First, call 911 if there's a child or pet locked in the vehicle. Next, move to a well-lit area and call the dispatch number on your insurance ID card or mobile app. Tell them your exact location and vehicle details. You can ask them for an ETA and stay on the line until help arrives.
An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find Battery and Lockout Service Coverage
There is no better way to protect yourself from inconvenient events than to plan ahead. Of course, accidents do happen, but emergency battery service and lockout service coverage can give you peace of mind when you are on the road.
To get quick auto insurance quotes and make sure you are covered, contact an independent insurance agent today. These agents can shop and compare quotes and coverage options for roadside assistance insurance to add to your policy. Be prepared to ask your agent which carriers near you offer the highest per-incident lockout caps, which offer mobile app dispatch, and which include EV mobile charging services.
Sources
https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/does-roadside-assistance-help-with-keys-locked-in-car/
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/what-is-roadside-assistance/#where-to-get-it
https://knobhilltowing.com/jump-start-vs-tow-when-to-choose-which-service/
https://mwg.aaa.com/membership/aaa-membership-cost-compare-benefits