Keys inside the car, broken fob, engine running with the door locked — whatever the situation, Fast Tow dispatches a trained technician with professional entry tools. No drilling, no prying, no scratches. In and out in minutes.
A lockout can happen to anyone — and rarely at a convenient time. Understanding the most common causes helps, but when it happens, the fastest solution is one call to Fast Tow.
The most common lockout scenario — you step out for a moment and the door locks automatically behind you. Modern vehicles with auto-lock features and proximity keys have made this more common than it was even five years ago. It takes two seconds and can strand you for hours without the right help.
Key fobs rely on small CR2032 batteries that typically last one to three years. When the battery dies, the fob stops sending the unlock signal — and most drivers don't carry a backup. Many modern vehicles have a hidden physical key inside the fob, but getting into the car still requires entry tools if the physical keyhole isn't obvious.
Warming up your vehicle in winter, stepping out while the car idles, or starting a remote-start car and walking out — all can result in a running engine and a locked door. This is also a common scenario with children or pets still inside, making it an urgent call.
Older keys wear down over years of use. A key can snap in the lock, break off in the ignition, or bend enough that it no longer turns. Cold weather accelerates metal fatigue — a key that worked fine in October may break off in January. Physical key extraction and professional entry tools are required in this situation.
Many fob layouts put the lock and unlock buttons close together — especially on older or aftermarket remotes. A quick press in a pocket or bag can lock the car while you're still outside, with no indication it happened until you reach for the handle. Walking away from a locked car while the fob is inside is also surprisingly common.
Most drivers keep their spare at home. If you're locked out at work, at a shopping centre, at YVR, or anywhere outside walking distance from that spare, it doesn't help you. Calling Fast Tow is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than arranging a key delivery from across the city.
Fast Tow technicians carry professional-grade entry tools for every common vehicle type on the road — and we're trained to use them without leaving a mark. Getting you back in your car is a three-step process: call, arrive, open. That's it.
Fast Tow uses calibrated air wedge kits and slim jim rods developed specifically for automotive entry. These tools create a controlled opening without bending the door frame, cracking the weatherstripping, or scratching the paint. We do not use improvised tools, coat hangers, or anything that risks permanent damage to your vehicle.
We GPS-locate the nearest available lockout technician the moment you call. You get a confirmed ETA — not a two-hour window. Most lockout calls in Metro Vancouver are resolved within 20 to 35 minutes from the time you call to the time you're back in your car.
Our technicians are trained on sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, electric vehicles, and most imported makes. When you call, we confirm your vehicle's make, model, and year to bring the correct entry set. If your vehicle requires a specialist locksmith, we arrange it on the same call and can tow to a locksmith shop if needed.
We quote the lockout service before we dispatch — and the price you hear is the price you pay. No after-hours premiums, no arrival fees, no add-ons when we're standing at your car. If you have BCAA, CAA, or credit card roadside coverage, call us and we'll confirm whether it applies before we send anyone out.
We carry the right tools for your specific vehicle and use them correctly. Your door, lock, trim, and paint stay exactly as they were before we arrived.
From your call to an open door — four steps, one number, no hassle.
Call (604) 332-1211 and give us your location plus the make, model, and year of your vehicle. This lets our dispatcher select the right technician with the correct entry tools for your car. The full call takes under two minutes.
We GPS-locate the closest available lockout technician and dispatch right away. You receive a confirmed ETA before you hang up. Our lockout team covers all of Metro Vancouver around the clock — including overnight, weekends, and statutory holidays.
Our technician uses a calibrated air wedge kit to create a controlled gap at the door edge, then a reach tool to access the interior lock or button. The process leaves no marks on the paint, trim, door seal, or frame. Most vehicles are open in under five minutes from the technician's arrival.
Once inside, we confirm everything is in order — keys found, fob working, engine situation resolved. If a broken key or ignition issue needs a locksmith or dealer, we arrange that referral on the spot and can tow your vehicle if required. No loose ends, no second calls.
Locked out anywhere in Greater Vancouver? Our technicians cover every city and municipality in the region, 24 hours a day.
Locked out outside Metro Vancouver? Call (604) 332-1211 — we cover surrounding areas and can confirm coverage immediately.
Fast Tow meets every certification standard required to provide car lockout service legally and safely in British Columbia.
ICBC Approved
BCAA Approved
BBB Accredited
CAA Approved
Google 5-Star
"Locked my keys inside my car in the Costco Burnaby parking lot on a Sunday afternoon. Fast Tow arrived in under 25 minutes, opened the door in literally three minutes flat, and there wasn't a single mark on my car. Absolutely worth every penny."
"It was past midnight and I'd locked myself out in Gastown after dinner. I honestly didn't expect anyone to come that fast — they were there in 22 minutes. The technician was calm, professional, and had my door open before I even knew what was happening. Couldn't recommend them more."
"My toddler was inside the car with the doors locked and I was in a complete panic. Fast Tow was on the phone with me within seconds and their technician arrived in under 20 minutes. They were calm, focused, and had the door open fast. I can't thank them enough."
You call (604) 332-1211 and tell us your location plus your vehicle make, model, and year. We dispatch the nearest technician with the correct entry tools. On arrival, they use a professional air wedge kit to create a controlled gap at the door edge and a reach tool to access the interior — no drilling, no prying, no marks. Most vehicles are open in under five minutes from the technician's arrival.
No. Fast Tow uses professional non-destructive entry tools — calibrated air wedge kits and slim jim rods designed for automotive use. These tools open your door without bending the frame, cracking the weatherstripping, scratching the paint, or damaging the lock cylinder. We never use improvised tools or coat hangers that risk permanent damage.
Fast Tow averages 20 to 30 minutes for lockout calls across Metro Vancouver. We GPS-dispatch the nearest available technician and give you a confirmed ETA on the call — not a two-hour window. Response times can vary in heavy traffic, but we always communicate your arrival time accurately before we hang up.
ICBC Basic Autoplan does not include lockout coverage by default. However, many drivers carry BCAA membership, CAA membership, dealer roadside plans, or credit card travel benefits that cover lockout calls. Fast Tow is ICBC and BCAA approved, so our services qualify under eligible plans. Call us first and we can advise on what may apply before we dispatch.
Fast Tow can open the vast majority of passenger vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and electric vehicles from most major manufacturers. When you call, we confirm your vehicle make, model, and year to bring the correct entry set. Some high-security vehicles may require a specialist locksmith, which we can arrange on the same call.
If your key has broken off inside the lock cylinder, we attempt entry through an alternate door and can try non-destructive key extraction. For full key cutting, ignition replacement, or programming a new fob, we refer you to a mobile locksmith and can arrange a tow to a locksmith shop or dealership on the same call if your vehicle isn't drivable.
