Trunk & Tailgate Opening
A locked trunk with the keys inside is more awkward than a locked cabin, because on plenty of vehicles there is no mechanical release left to reach for.
The route in depends on the car: through the cabin and the fold-down seats, through the trunk lock itself, or by cutting a key from the lock's own wafers. On vehicles where the release is purely electronic, restoring power or reaching the actuator is part of the job.
Dead battery cases are common: the fob will not open the boot, the cabin is locked, and the mechanical override is inside. Those are solvable too, they just take a few minutes longer.
What the job involves
-
Every release path considered
Through the cabin, through the lock, or with a cut key.
-
Dead-battery vehicles included
An electronic-only boot release is not a dead end.
-
No prised panels or bent lids
Trim comes off properly and goes back on properly.
Open Trunk: what it costs
Typical Austin-metro ranges. Your exact number is quoted on the phone.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Trunk or tailgate openingIncludes trunks with no cabin release | $85 – $175 |
| Vehicle lockoutMost makes; keys visible inside are no extra charge | $75 – $150 |
| Duplicate from a working keyChipped or chipless | $70 – $180 |
| Broken key extractionDoor, ignition or padlock | $75 – $150 |
| Service call / dispatchCharged once per visit, never per lock | $29 – $49 |
| Nights, Sundays & holidaysQuoted on the phone before a van is sent | +$25 – $65 |
These are the ranges most jobs in the Austin metro land between. The exact number is quoted on the phone before a technician is dispatched, and it is the number on the invoice. Parts are itemised separately and priced from a rate card, not invented at the door.
Common questions
My car has no key hole on the trunk at all.
Common on newer vehicles. We work through the cabin or the actuator instead. Tell dispatch the make and model and they will tell you what is involved.
The battery is flat and nothing opens.
That is a routine version of this call. Power gets restored first, then the trunk opens normally.
Can you open a truck bed cover or a van rear door?
Usually yes. Describe the vehicle and the lock when you call.
Part of our 24/7 Emergency Lockout Service work. Covering Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Lakeway, Kyle, Buda, Hutto, Manor and Dripping Springs.
What Austin says
about us
Reviews left by customers across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Pflugerville.
Locked myself out at eleven at night with a toddler asleep upstairs. Quoted me on the phone, arrived in half an hour, had the door open in under five minutes without a scratch on it. Charged exactly what was quoted.
Marisol Trevino
Homeowner, Mueller
We turn over about forty units a year and they handle every rekey. Invoiced to the office, keying schedule emailed the same day, never had to chase them.
Dwayne Whitfield
Property manager, North Austin
Dealer wanted a tow plus two days for a lost Kia key. These guys did it in my driveway in about an hour for a lot less. Two keys, both tested before he left.
Priya Raghunathan
Driver, Cedar Park
Panic bar failed on a Friday during service. They came out after close, fixed it properly and talked me through what the inspector would be looking for.
Ben Ostrowski
Restaurant owner, East Sixth
Locked out? We answer the phone at 3 a.m.
One call gets a licensed, insured technician rolling to you anywhere in the Austin metro.
