Lock Outs

Locked out of your car? It happens to everyone—and when it does, our team at Riverside Towing provides fast, damage-free vehicle lock out service across Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, and the greater Quad Cities area.

We know that lock outs don’t just happen in driveways—they strike in grocery store parking lots, downtown ramps, rest stops, and busy roadside shoulders. That’s why we offer 24/7 dispatch, rapid arrival times, and certified technicians who use industry-approved tools to unlock your vehicle quickly—without breaking glass, damaging trim, or forcing doors.

Wherever you’re stranded—from Brady Street in Davenport to the ramps of I-74—you can count on Riverside Towing for professional lock out service when you need it most.

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Getting locked out of your vehicle isn’t just frustrating—it can also be stressful and unsafe, especially when it happens on a busy road or in extreme weather. In Davenport, where winter ice and summer heat both create urgency, our team at Riverside Towing responds to lock outs with the same speed and professionalism we bring to every emergency call.

Our dispatch center near Indian Road allows us to reach high-traffic corridors like I-80, I-74, US-61, and Kimberly Road in minutes. We’re familiar with the layout of the city—from crowded downtown parking structures to residential streets with limited access—and we come prepared with the right tools to unlock your vehicle without damage.

Whether you’re locked out at a gas station in Bettendorf, stranded outside your workplace near Elmore Avenue, or stuck in a grocery store lot off Locust Street, our trained technicians can get you back inside and back on the road—quickly and safely.

Tools and Techniques Built for Safe, Damage-Free Lock Outs

At Riverside Towing, we treat every lock out like a precision job—because it is. Our technicians use specialized, non-invasive lock out tools designed to unlock a wide range of vehicle makes and models without causing scratches, broken seals, or airbag deployment.

We don’t rely on coat hangers or improvised tricks. Instead, our lock out kits include:

  • Air wedge systems to gently create space without damaging weatherstripping
  • Long-reach tools to manipulate locks or push buttons from inside the cabin
  • Slim jims and under-window tools for older vehicle models
  • Electric lock override tools for select keyless entry systems
  • Protective shields and covers to prevent scuffing on glass and trim

Every vehicle is different, which is why we constantly train our team on new makes, models, and evolving security systems. Whether you’re driving a push-to-start hybrid, a classic car with manual locks, or a late-model truck with side airbags, we have the tools—and the experience—to handle it right the first time.

And if you’re locked out in the rain, snow, or late at night? We show up equipped with LED lighting, reflective gear, and the same professional approach you’d expect from any critical roadside response.

Common Lock Out Scenarios We Handle Across the Quad Cities

Vehicle lock outs may seem straightforward—but the location, time of day, weather, and vehicle type all affect how we respond. At Riverside Towing, we handle lock out calls across Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, and Rock Island every single day—and no two are ever the same.

Here are just a few of the real-world lock out situations we respond to regularly:

  • Keys locked inside a running SUV during school drop-off on Brady Street
  • A sedan locked in gear with the keys inside at a gas station off Kimberly Road
  • A delivery driver locked out of a commercial van in downtown Davenport
  • A college student locked out of a hybrid near St. Ambrose University
  • A family stranded at NorthPark Mall during holiday shopping
  • Frozen door locks on a compact car parked overnight near the Mississippi River

Every scenario requires fast action and the right tools—but also a calm, respectful approach. Lock outs often happen when people are rushing, distracted, or anxious. Our technicians are trained to show up with the tools, tact, and technique needed to resolve the problem quickly—without adding stress.

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Lock Outs

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Certified Lock Out Technicians and a Trusted Process

When you’re locked out, the last thing you want is guesswork. That’s why our team at Riverside Towing follows a proven process built around safety, care, and vehicle integrity. Every technician is trained in:

  • Modern automotive lock and security systems (including smart keys and push-button ignitions)

  • Safe entry for electric vehicles and hybrids

  • Damage-free unlocking methods using professional-grade tools

  • Iowa’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law for roadside responses

  • Situational awareness, from traffic control to pedestrian safety in parking lots

Our dispatchers know Davenport’s roads, neighborhoods, and common hazards, which means they can provide accurate ETAs and ensure that we send the right technician with the right gear—every time.

How Long Does It Take to Unlock a Vehicle in the Quad Cities?

Most vehicle lock outs can be resolved in 5 to 15 minutes once our technician arrives on scene. However, several factors affect the actual unlock time:

  • Vehicle make and model — Some late-model vehicles with anti-theft features or frameless windows require extra care.

  • Weather conditions — In freezing temps, ice buildup around seals may delay access.

  • Location type — Unlocks on busy roads like I-74 or tight spots like downtown ramps require traffic coordination.

  • Vehicle status — Is the vehicle running? Are children or pets inside? Urgency determines response priority.

At Riverside Towing, we treat lock outs as top-priority calls, especially in extreme heat, cold, or when safety is a concern. With multiple light-duty trucks on the road, we usually arrive within 20–30 minutes across most of Davenport, Bettendorf, and Eldridge.

Lock Out Services for Electric, Hybrid, and Keyless Entry Vehicles

As more drivers in the Quad Cities upgrade to newer vehicles, lock out challenges evolve. At Riverside Towing, we stay current on:

  • Keyless entry systems and passive key locks

  • Push-to-start ignition protocols

  • Electric vehicle (EV) safety when accessing door systems

  • Integrated alarm response to prevent triggering damage or immobilization

We routinely assist drivers locked out of Tesla, Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, and other modern vehicles. Our technicians are trained to unlock high-tech systems without triggering airbag faults or security lock outs. If your vehicle has a proximity key or auto-lock feature, we’ll handle it with the precision it requires.

Our Fast Response Services Include: 

At Riverside Towing, we offer a full spectrum of professional towing, transport, recovery, and roadside assistance services throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, Blue Grass, and the entire Quad Cities region. Our 24/7 dispatch team is always ready to deploy certified operators and specialized vehicles for fast, safe, and reliable service—no matter the weather or road conditions.

Heavy Duty Services

  • Heavy Duty Towing

  • Heavy Wrecker Towing

  • Heavy Wrecker

  • Rotator Crane Service

  • Heavy Cargo Services

Medium Duty Services

  • Medium Duty Towing

  • Medium Duty Wrecker

Roadside Assistance

  • Lock Outs

  • Tire Changes

  • Fuel Delivery

  • Jump Starts
Towing Services
Truck & Commercial Vehicle Towing

  • Dump Truck Towing

  • Box Truck Towing

  • Work Truck Towing

  • Motor Coach Towing

  • Rivian Truck Towing

Recovery Services

  • Off Road Recovery

  • Winching

  • Up Righting

  • Mud Road Recovery

  • Ag Implement Recovery

  • Sunken Trailer Lifting
Additional Services

  • Semi Towing

  • Long Distance Towing

  • Transport Towing

  • Motorcycle Towing

  • Mobile Tire Change

  • Battery Replacement
  •  Load Shifts and Restacks
  • Semi Breakdown Assistance
Specialty Equipment Services

  • Decking & Undecking Services

  • Bunking & Unbunking

  • Equipment Storage

Other Specialty Services

  • Truck Decking

  • Trailer Stacking

  • Mud Extractions

  • Mobile Car Repair

Storage Solutions

  • Semi-Truck Storage

  • Tractor-Trailer Storage

  • Cargo Storage

Lock Outs: Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Riverside Towing arrive for a lock out in Davenport?

At Riverside Towing, we prioritize rapid response times for lockout situations. Our average arrival time is between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your exact location and current traffic conditions. Our dispatch center near Indian Road allows us quick access to major routes like I-80, I-74, US-61, and Kimberly Road.

No, our trained technicians use specialized, non-invasive tools designed to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. Whether you’re driving a classic car or a modern vehicle with advanced security systems, we ensure a damage-free entry.

Yes, our team is equipped to handle a wide range of vehicles, including:

  • Sedans and compact cars

  • SUVs and crossovers

  • Pickup trucks

  • Motorcycles

  • Electric and hybrid vehicles

  • Luxury and high-security models
    Our technicians stay updated on the latest vehicle technologies to ensure efficient service.

If a child or pet is locked inside the vehicle, call 911 immediately. Emergency services will prioritize the situation to ensure safety. After contacting emergency services, you can also call us for immediate assistance.

Absolutely. Riverside Towing operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. We’re always ready to assist you, no matter the time or weather conditions.

Our lock out service pricing is competitive and transparent. The cost typically depends on factors like vehicle type and location. We provide upfront estimates when you call, ensuring no hidden fees.

While lock outs are usually unexpected, if you anticipate needing assistance—such as retrieving keys from a locked vehicle—you can schedule a service call with us in advance.

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