Last updated: May 2026
Locked Out of Your Car in Exeter
Non-destructive entry for cars, vans and commercial vehicles — no damage guaranteed, fast response
Being locked out always happens at the worst possible moment. We carry out non-destructive vehicle entry across Exeter, Devon and Somerset using professional automotive entry tools — getting you back into your car or van without damage. Once you are in, we can cut and programme a spare key on the same visit so this never happens again.
What’s Included
Locked Out? Here’s Exactly What to Do
The moment you realise you are locked out, there is a clear order of steps that will get you back on the road as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Stay calm — this is very fixable
Vehicle lockouts are one of the most common roadside problems in the UK. Whatever the circumstances — keys on the seat, locked in the boot, engine running, or simply nowhere to be seen — it is a solvable problem and usually resolved within the hour.
If you are in a vulnerable situation — child or pet inside the vehicle, extreme weather, unsafe location — call 999 first if there is immediate risk, then call us. For urgent non-emergency lockouts, we prioritise those involving dependants inside the vehicle.
If you are locked out in Exeter city centre and on a parking meter, tell us when you call — we treat timed parking situations as higher priority. Similarly, if you are locked out at Exeter Airport with a flight to catch, call immediately and we will give you an honest assessment of whether we can reach you in time.
Check before you call us
It is worth a 30-second check before calling anyone. Is there a spare key at home someone can bring? Does your vehicle have a keyless entry code panel? Does your breakdown cover include lockout assistance? If none of these apply, call us — we are usually the fastest option and always the most technically capable.
How It Works
Lockout Scenarios We Cover
Vehicle lockouts come in different forms. Here are the situations we handle regularly across Exeter and Devon — and how each is approached.
Non-Destructive Entry — What It Actually Means
Professional entry tools — not improvised solutions
Non-destructive vehicle entry is a specialist skill with specialist equipment. The tools used by professional auto locksmiths — long-reach tools, air wedge systems and purpose-made entry sets — are specifically designed to open car doors without damaging the lock mechanism, door seals, weatherstripping or paintwork.
These are categorically different from the coat hanger or screwdriver approaches shown in online videos. Those methods cause damage. Professional tools do not — or at least, in the rare cases where some minor indentation is unavoidable on certain vehicle designs, we tell you before starting, not after.
Why we assess before attempting
Different vehicles have different entry points. Modern vehicles with tight European door seals — particularly recent Volkswagen Group and BMW models — leave less working room than older designs. We assess your specific vehicle before choosing the entry approach, which means we do not default to the same method on every car.
If your vehicle is one where entry by our standard methods cannot be guaranteed damage-free — which is rare but does happen on some very new or unusual models — we tell you honestly and present the options. We do not attempt damage-risk entry without your explicit agreement.
The IMI sets standards for automotive technical work including locksmith practice. Our qualifications cover the correct use of entry equipment — not just possession of the tools.
Where We Cover — Exeter Locations and Beyond
Lockouts happen everywhere. Here are the Exeter locations and Devon areas we cover most frequently — and what to tell us when you call.
All Devon & Somerset Covered
Outside Exeter, we cover the full Devon and Somerset area including Honiton, Exmouth, Tiverton, Sidmouth, Cullompton, Crediton, Axminster, Chard and Yeovil. Rural East Devon and Somerset lockouts take longer to reach but are covered without exception. We are based near Honiton which gives us fast access to most of East Devon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you damage my car getting in?
No — we use professional automotive entry tools specifically designed to open vehicles without damage. These are not improvised solutions. They are purpose-made instruments used by professional locksmiths across the UK. The vast majority of lockouts we attend leave absolutely no mark on the vehicle. If your specific vehicle has a door design that makes non-destructive entry genuinely difficult, we tell you honestly before attempting anything — we never use force without your informed consent.
My keys are locked inside and I can see them — does that change anything?
Not significantly from a process standpoint — we carry out the same non-destructive entry regardless. However, keys visible inside confirms they are not lost, which is useful. Once inside, we can cut and programme a spare key on the same visit so this situation never repeats itself.
What is the difference between a lockout and lost car keys?
A lockout means the keys exist but are inaccessible — locked inside the vehicle or left elsewhere. A lost car keys situation means the keys cannot be located and may need full replacement. The entry process is the same in both cases, but if keys are genuinely lost rather than just inaccessible, we also carry out key replacement on the same visit. Unsure which applies? Call us and describe the situation — we will advise immediately.
Do you open vans and commercial vehicles?
Yes — commercial vehicle lockouts are a large part of our work across Devon, particularly at Marsh Barton industrial estate and Exeter’s trading areas. We cover Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic and all other major commercial makes. A locked-out van in the middle of a working day costs real money — we treat it as urgent accordingly.
What if I am locked out in a remote part of Devon?
We cover all of Devon and Somerset including remote rural areas. Devon & Cornwall Police advise staying with your vehicle if stranded in a remote location. We come to wherever you are — rural response times are longer than Exeter, and we always give an honest ETA. Our 24 hour service operates without restriction on location at any hour.
How long does vehicle entry take once you arrive?
For most standard cars and vans, entry itself takes 5–20 minutes. Some vehicles with tighter modern door seals take a little longer. Total visit time — including travel, entry, and any follow-up work like cutting a spare — is typically 45–90 minutes depending on location and what you need.
I locked myself out with the engine running — is this more urgent?
Yes — treat it as priority. An unattended running engine is a fuel waste, security risk, and may affect your insurance position if the vehicle is subsequently stolen. Call us immediately. Also consider contacting your breakdown provider simultaneously — the RAC and AA cover lockouts under some policies and may respond quickly for running-engine situations.
Can my breakdown cover handle a lockout instead?
Possibly. Some breakdown policies include lockout assistance — check your documents or call your provider first. However, breakdown services often have longer response times and may not carry specialist entry tools. For lost key situations specifically, breakdown cover rarely includes key replacement — only vehicle recovery. See our full FAQ page for more on what different services cover.
Locked Out Right Now?
Call and you speak to a technician directly. We confirm arrival time and fixed price before setting off. Non-destructive entry guaranteed.