Imagine reaching your destination, stepping out of the car and suddenly realizing that the keys are still sitting inside. It's an annoying situation, but panicking or trying a DIY trick to get back into the car can turn a simple lockout into an expensive repair.

Breaking the glass, inserting wires or screwdrivers into the door, or trying to force the lock can damage modern vehicles. Here's what you should avoid and what you can do instead.

Don't break the window

Breaking a car window may appear to be the quickest solution, but it comes with several risks. Shattered glass can cause injuries and leave sharp fragments inside the vehicle.

You'll also have to deal with the cost of replacing the glass and cleaning the interior. Unless there is an immediate threat to someone's life, such as a child or pet being trapped inside in dangerous conditions, breaking a window should not be your first option.

If someone inside the car is in immediate danger, contact emergency services and seek professional assistance rather than attempting a risky DIY rescue.

Avoid wires, screwdrivers and other objects

You may have seen people using a wire, ruler or screwdriver to manipulate a locked car door. However, modern vehicles have complex locking systems, electrical wiring and sensors inside the doors.

Putting an object through a gap or around the window can damage these components, scratch the paint or interfere with the locking mechanism. What starts as a simple lockout could therefore turn into a much more expensive repair.

Don't pull or pry the door

Repeatedly pulling on a locked door or trying to create a gap between the door and the body can damage the handle, seals, locking mechanism or door frame.

Even if you manage to create an opening, the resulting damage could cause problems with the door closing properly and may allow water or excessive road noise into the cabin.

Check for a spare key first

Before trying anything risky, check whether you have access to a spare key. If one is available at home, getting a family member to bring it may be the simplest solution.

Also check all the doors and the boot. Depending on how the vehicle was locked, one access point may occasionally remain unlocked.

Check your car's app or digital key

Many newer vehicles come with connected-car applications that can provide remote locking and unlocking features. Some models may also support digital keys.

If you've already connected your smartphone to the vehicle, open the manufacturer's app and check whether a remote-unlock option is available.

Roadside assistance is usually the safest choice

If you don't have a spare key or digital unlock option, contact your car manufacturer's roadside assistance service. A professional automotive locksmith is another option if manufacturer assistance isn't available.

Professionals have specialized tools designed to open vehicles with minimal risk of damage. This is particularly important for modern cars, where an improvised method can damage expensive electronics or body components.

Stay calm and avoid turning a lockout into a repair bill

Getting locked out of your car is frustrating, but rushing into a DIY solution can make the situation much worse. Check for a spare key, try the manufacturer's connected-car service, or call roadside assistance before attempting anything that could damage the vehicle.

A few extra minutes of patience can save you from a broken window, damaged door or costly electronic repairs.