It happens to everyone
Keys left on the passenger seat. Keys dropped in the boot as it shut. A car that locked itself while you were loading the shopping. A remote that died at the worst moment. Lockouts are one of the most common calls we get, and they tend to happen late at night, in the rain, or with somewhere important to be.
Whatever the cause, the fix is the same: someone who knows cars and has the right tools to open yours properly.
Getting in without damage
We use proper vehicle entry tools to open the car without breaking glass or damaging the doors, locks or paintwork. There's no smashed window to replace and nothing to explain to your insurer. Once you're in, we check the locks and keys work as they should before we leave.
Please don't try a coat hanger or force the door yourself. Modern door seals, wiring and airbags sit right where people tend to poke around, and a few minutes of trying can turn a lockout into a much bigger repair.
If the keys aren't in the car
Sometimes being locked out really means the keys are lost. That's fine too. We can open the car and then cut and program a new key on the spot, so you can drive it away rather than arranging a tow. See our page on lost car keys for how that works.
What to have ready when you call
- Where the car is parked, as exactly as you can
- The make and model
- Where the keys are, if you know
- Proof the car is yours, such as your logbook (V5C) or insurance documents
We ask for proof of ownership on every lockout. It protects you as much as anyone: we won't open a car for someone who can't show it's theirs.
Day or night
We're open 24 hours, every day of the year, and we cover Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol and the towns in between. When you call, we'll give you an honest arrival time and agree the price before we set off. If you're somewhere that doesn't feel safe while you wait, tell us and stay somewhere lit and busy if you can.