Keys locked in the car, in the boot or a central locking fault that will not let you in? Alex opens cars and vans with specialist non-destructive tools, so there is no broken glass and no damage to the lock.
Being locked out of your car is stressful, especially in a car park at the end of a long day. The good news is that a car lockout is usually quick to solve without damaging anything. Alex uses specialist non-destructive entry tools to open cars and vans, the same approach used by professional auto locksmiths across the UK.
There is no need to break a window or force the lock. Most vehicles are opened in a matter of minutes once Alex arrives, and your keys are handed back so you can get on with your day. If the key itself turns out to be faulty, it can be replaced or reprogrammed on the same visit.
Whether you are locked out of car or van, Alex covers lockouts across Nottingham, Derby and Long Eaton during opening hours, Monday to Saturday. Outside those hours, send a WhatsApp message and he will reply first thing.
Every lockout is a little different, and each one has a safe way in.
The most common lockout. Keys left on the seat or in the ignition when the doors lock.
Many cars lock automatically when the boot closes. Alex can reach the boot through the cabin.
On keyless cars, a flat fob battery can stop the doors opening. The hidden blade or a new battery often solves it.
Doors that will not respond to the remote can point to an electrical fault or a faulty fob.
Worn or frozen locks can stop a key turning. Forcing them causes damage, so leave it to a professional.
If the keys are not inside the car at all, you will need new keys made. See the lost car keys page.
Modern cars have complex locks, side airbags and wiring in the doors, which is why the right tools matter.
Specialist wedges and long reach tools open the car without touching the paintwork or seals.
Where needed, the lock can be read so a working key can be cut without damage.
Door cavities hold airbags and wiring. Professional methods avoid them completely.
Van lockouts are handled with the same care, so you can get back to work quickly.
If the key is the problem, it can be tested, and the remote reprogrammed on the spot.
Most lockouts take only a few minutes once Alex is with the vehicle.
If your fob works but will not lock or unlock the car reliably, car key programming may be all it needs.
Share your location, make and model, and whether the keys are inside the car.
He drives to the car park, roadside or driveway where the vehicle is parked.
Before opening the car, Alex checks it belongs to you with ID and vehicle documents or matching details.
The car is opened with non-destructive tools and your keys are handed back.
Your safety comes first. In these situations do not wait for a locksmith.
A few simple habits prevent most lockouts from happening again.
Old tricks from films do not work on modern cars, and trying them usually causes expensive damage. This is what you need to know.
Many cars have double locking, sometimes called deadlocks. When the car is locked twice, the inside handles and lock buttons stop working, so reaching in to pull a handle will not open the door. Professional entry tools are designed to work with these systems safely.
Forcing a door or pushing wire past the seal can tear the rubber, scratch paint, bend the door frame and snag the cables inside the door. Modern doors also hold side airbags and wiring for windows and mirrors. The cost of repairing that damage is usually far higher than a professional unlock.
Most keyless cars are designed not to lock with the key inside, but it can still happen. A weak fob battery, a key hidden under a bag or signal interference can all confuse the system. Replacing the fob battery regularly is the simplest way to avoid this.
Stay with the vehicle if it is safe to do so, and keep your phone charged so Alex can reach you. If you are at the roadside, move somewhere safe away from traffic. Have your ID ready, and if your documents are at home, let Alex know when you call.
Some breakdown memberships include help with lockouts, while others exclude keys locked in the car. It is worth checking your cover, but a local auto locksmith is often the faster option, especially when the keys also need replacing or reprogramming.
Many remote fobs and smart keys contain a small metal blade that opens the driver door if the battery dies. On some cars the lock is hidden behind a cover on the door handle. Check your handbook to find out how yours works before you need it.
Opening a car for someone who does not own it would make a locksmith part of a theft. That is why Alex checks photo ID and vehicle details before opening any car. It only takes a moment, and it protects your car in exactly the same way when someone else claims to be locked out of it.
Most lockouts happen to drivers with only one key. A spare kept at home, or with someone nearby, turns a future lockout into a short trip rather than a callout. If your fob battery is weak or the remote is unreliable, having it checked while Alex is with you saves another problem later.
Non-destructive entry is carried out on most of the cars and vans parked across Nottingham, Derby and Long Eaton. Popular makes include:
"Absolutely fantastic service, came out really quickly and got it sorted for a really reasonable price. Thanks so much!"
Bethany O.Google review
"Key got stuck in ignition with engine on, Alex was really easy to get hold of and came out to me that evening. Got the key out and ordered the new part required, fitted a few days later all for a good price."
Stuart W.Callout the same evening
Alex is based in Long Eaton, just off Junction 25 of the M1, and helps drivers locked out of cars and vans across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and north Leicestershire.
Also Long Eaton, Sandiacre, Stapleford, Toton, Chilwell, Bramcote, Wollaton, Clifton, Ruddington, Ilkeston, Giltbrook, Hucknall, Carlton and Gedling.
Not sure if you are covered? Send your postcode on WhatsApp for a quick answer.
See every area we coverYes. Alex uses specialist non-destructive entry tools, so the door, lock, seals and paintwork are left undamaged.
Most cars are opened within a few minutes once Alex is with the vehicle. Some high security models take a little longer.
Yes. On most vehicles the boot can be reached from inside the cabin once the car is opened.
Yes. Alex opens light commercial vans as well as cars.
Call 999 straight away, especially on a warm day. Emergency services should always be your first call when someone is at risk.
Yes. For your security, Alex checks ID and vehicle details before opening any car.
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. Outside those hours, send a WhatsApp message and Alex will reply first thing.
Alex can cut and program a new key on the same visit, so you leave with a working key.
It depends on your membership. Some policies include lockouts and others do not. A local auto locksmith is often quicker, and can also replace or program the key if it is faulty.
It is rare, but it can happen, usually because of a weak fob battery or signal interference. Replacing the fob battery regularly helps prevent it.
It is not recommended. Wire, wedges and coat hangers can damage seals, paintwork and the wiring and airbags inside the door. Professional tools open the car without damage.
Photo ID and, if possible, your vehicle documents. If the documents are inside the car, Alex can check them once the car is open.
Call or WhatsApp Alex with your location and vehicle. Damage-free entry for cars and vans.
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm · Saturday 8am to 4pm