If you find yourself stuck in a parking lot or on the side of the road because of a car lockout, you might be feeling worried and upset. However, this can happen to anyone, and there are ways you can get back into your vehicle. If you don’t have a spare set of keys with you, below are several other steps you can take to get back behind the wheel.

What to Do After Being Locked out of Your Car

1. Stay Calm

Being locked out of your car can be a little worrisome, especially if you have somewhere to be or if you have valuables inside. However, it’s important to stay calm so you can think through the situation clearly. After taking a breath, some drivers may be surprised to learn that their passenger side door is unlocked or that they can get into their car through the trunk space. A car lockout may not be affecting all of your doors or entry options, and staying calm will help you strategically think about other solutions. You can also call a family member to see if they are nearby and have spare keys, eliminating your need to call for a vehicle locksmith. 

2. Call for Roadside Assistance 

Some insurance or credit card companies come with roadside assistance, especially if you’re paying extra or monthly fees. If you’ve assessed all of your other options and still can’t get into your car, then call for help. While calling the police might be your first thought, you may want to avoid doing so unless it’s a true emergency. If it’s not an emergency, a roadside assistance team has the right tools to get you back into your car and well on your way. 

3. Unlock Remotely 

Most of today’s modern vehicles come with a remote car lockout solution. OnStar is included in many newer models, and this system can remotely unlock your vehicle from anywhere. If you’ve installed the app for such a service, you should be able to do it right from your phone, making this the quickest and easiest option. Some cars come with keypad entries as well, so if you have this option, be sure to set it up before heading out for your next drive. 

Car lockouts are a common situation for drivers and are just one of the many reasons people in Rochester, NY, call Alliance Collision. If you’re stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot with a flat tire, a dead battery, or need a tow to your local auto mechanic, this team of experts has you covered. Be sure to give them a call at (585) 232-2390 any time you need roadside assistance, or visit them online for a complete list of services.