Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of all services supplied by Authorised Auto Locksmiths Limited ("the Company", "we", "our" or "us"). By instructing the Company to carry out any services, whether verbally, electronically or in writing, the Customer agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires:

Company means Authorised Auto Locksmiths Limited.

Customer means any individual, business or organisation requesting or receiving Services from the Company.

Services means all automotive locksmith services provided by the Company including, but not limited to:

• Emergency vehicle entry
• Lock picking
• Non-destructive vehicle opening
• Vehicle lock replacement
• Van lock installation
• Aftermarket security lock installation
• Deadlock installation
• Slam lock installation
• Key cutting
• Key duplication
• Key cloning
• Key generation
• Key programming
• Key cancellation
• Immobiliser programming
• Remote programming
• Diagnostic services
• Emergency call-outs
• Security upgrades
• Any associated automotive locksmith services.

Vehicle includes any car, van, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, agricultural vehicle or other vehicle upon which the Services are carried out.

2. About the Company

Authorised Auto Locksmiths Limited provides specialist automotive locksmith and vehicle security services throughout England and Wales.

The Company undertakes all Services using reasonable skill and care in accordance with accepted industry standards.

Nothing in these Terms shall oblige the Company to carry out work where it believes it would be unlawful, unsafe or technically inappropriate to do so.

3. Acceptance of these Terms

These Terms and Conditions shall apply to every booking, quotation and contract between the Company and the Customer.

The Customer accepts these Terms by:

• Signing a quotation or work authorisation.
• Providing verbal authority for work to commence.
• Accepting a quotation electronically.
• Booking an appointment.
• Allowing the Company's technician to commence work.

These Terms supersede any previous discussions unless expressly agreed in writing.

4. Quotations and Estimates

All quotations are provided in good faith based upon the information supplied by the Customer.

Where additional faults or unforeseen work become apparent during the provision of the Services, additional charges may apply.

The Company will seek the Customer's approval before carrying out additional chargeable work where reasonably practicable.

Unless otherwise stated, quotations remain valid for thirty (30) days.

Any estimated arrival time is provided for guidance only and shall not form part of the contract.

5. Call-Out Charges

Where the Customer requests attendance at a specified location, the agreed call-out charge shall become payable once the Company's technician has attended.

The call-out charge remains payable irrespective of whether:

• the repair can be completed;
• replacement parts are unavailable;
• the Customer declines the recommended work;
• the Customer has supplied incorrect information;
• the Vehicle contains pre-existing faults;
• manufacturer security systems prevent completion of the Services;
• access to the Vehicle cannot lawfully be obtained;
• the Customer is unavailable upon arrival.

Attendance charges compensate the Company for travel time, labour, specialist equipment and associated operating costs.

6. Cancellation Policy

Once an appointment has been confirmed, the Company allocates engineering time and resources to the booking.

Accordingly, where the Customer:

• cancels after the Company's technician has been dispatched;
• fails to attend;
• is unavailable at the agreed appointment time;
• refuses the agreed work upon attendance without reasonable cause; or
• otherwise prevents the Company from carrying out the agreed Services,

a cancellation charge of £120 shall become immediately payable.

The Company reserves the right to recover any outstanding cancellation charges by legal means where necessary.

7. Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment shall be made immediately upon completion of the Services.

The Company reserves the right to request payment before releasing keys, security devices or any goods supplied by the Company where legally entitled to do so.

Accepted methods of payment shall be notified to the Customer at the time of booking or completion.

Where payment remains outstanding, the Company reserves all legal rights available under the laws of England and Wales.

Business customers may be liable for statutory interest and compensation in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 where applicable.

8. Customer Responsibilities

The Customer warrants that:

• they are the legal owner of the Vehicle or have the legal authority to instruct the Company;
• all information provided is accurate;
• they will disclose any known faults or previous repairs which may affect the Services;
• the Vehicle is safe to work upon;
• the Vehicle is accessible at the agreed appointment time.

The Customer accepts responsibility for any delay or additional costs arising from inaccurate or incomplete information.

9. Proof of Ownership

To protect vehicle owners and comply with legal obligations, the Company may require reasonable evidence of ownership or authority before commencing work.

Acceptable evidence may include:

• a V5C registration certificate;
• a valid driving licence matching the registered keeper's details;
• photographic identification;
• insurance documentation;
• written authority from the registered keeper; or
• any other documentation reasonably requested by the Company.

The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry out the Services where satisfactory proof cannot be produced.

Any attendance charge incurred prior to refusal shall remain payable.

10. Attendance, Safety and Refusal of Service

The Company reserves the right to refuse, suspend or discontinue the Services where, in the reasonable opinion of its technician:

• the work requested may facilitate unlawful activity;
• the Customer cannot demonstrate ownership or authority;
• the Vehicle presents an unacceptable safety risk;
• working conditions are unsafe;
• weather conditions prevent safe working;
• the Customer behaves in an abusive, threatening or aggressive manner;
• the Vehicle has undisclosed defects which make the work unsafe;
• any circumstance exists that places the technician, Customer or members of the public at risk.

Where attendance has already taken place, any applicable attendance or call-out charges shall remain payable notwithstanding the refusal to carry out the Services.

11. Vehicle Entry Services

The Company provides emergency vehicle entry using methods considered appropriate by the attending technician.

The Company will always endeavour to use the least destructive method available; however, the Customer acknowledges that the method used will depend upon the make, model, age and condition of the Vehicle together with the nature of the lockout.

Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to avoid damage, the Customer acknowledges that vehicle entry may result in damage which cannot reasonably be avoided, including but not limited to:

• Damage to lock cylinders.
• Damage to lock wafers or pins.
• Damage to lock barrels.
• Cosmetic scratching.
• Paint damage.
• Damage to weather seals.
• Distortion or bending of door frames.
• Damage to trim panels.
• Broken or cracked glazing where no reasonable alternative method of entry exists.

The Customer authorises the Company to use such methods as are reasonably necessary to gain access to the Vehicle.

The Company shall not be liable for damage which is an unavoidable consequence of carrying out the agreed Services using reasonable skill and care.

12. Van Lock Installation and Security Upgrades

The Company supplies and installs aftermarket vehicle security products including, but not limited to:

• Deadlocks
• Slam locks
• Hook locks
• Replacement locks
• Shielding products
• Security accessories
• Other aftermarket vehicle security devices

The Customer acknowledges that installation of these products may require permanent modification to the Vehicle.

Installation may involve:

• Drilling body panels.
• Cutting metal.
• Enlarging existing apertures.
• Removal of trims.
• Removal of door furniture.
• Installation of rivets or fixings.
• Adjustment of door mechanisms.

As a result, installation may leave:

• Visible fixing points.
• Minor scratches.
• Paint damage.
• Cosmetic marks.
• Tool marks.
• Slight variations in finish.
• Minor distortion around drilled areas.

The Company will exercise reasonable skill and care during installation but shall not be responsible for cosmetic changes which are an unavoidable consequence of fitting aftermarket security products.

The Customer authorises these permanent modifications.

13. Vehicle Security Products

The Customer acknowledges that no security product can guarantee the prevention of theft or unauthorised access.

Security products are designed to reduce the likelihood of theft but cannot eliminate criminal activity.

Accordingly:

• no guarantee is given that a Vehicle cannot be stolen;
• no guarantee is given that locks cannot be bypassed;
• no guarantee is given that locks cannot fail;
• no guarantee is given that thieves cannot gain entry using alternative methods.

The Company shall not be liable for:

• theft of the Vehicle;
• attempted theft;
• criminal damage;
• vandalism;
• loss of contents;
• consequential losses arising from theft;
• failure of a third party to respond to theft or security alarms.

14. Lock Repairs and Replacement

Where locks are repaired or replaced, the Company cannot guarantee the condition of existing lock mechanisms.

Vehicles frequently contain components affected by:

• wear and tear;
• corrosion;
• contamination;
• previous repairs;
• accident damage;
• attempted theft;
• age-related deterioration.

Removal of worn components may reveal defects that were not previously apparent.

Where additional repairs become necessary, the Company will notify the Customer before carrying out further chargeable work where reasonably practicable.

15. Key Cutting

Keys are cut using information available at the time of manufacture or from the Vehicle.

The Company cannot guarantee successful operation where:

• the original key is excessively worn;
• the lock mechanism is worn or damaged;
• incorrect information has previously been programmed;
• non-standard components have been installed.

The Company shall not be liable for failure resulting from defects outside its reasonable control.

16. Key Cloning

Key cloning involves copying information from an existing transponder or electronic key.

The Customer understands that cloning is dependent upon:

• compatibility of the original key;
• compatibility of the Vehicle;
• manufacturer software restrictions;
• availability of suitable equipment.

The Company does not guarantee that every key can be cloned.

Where cloning is unsuccessful, charges may still apply for time spent attempting the procedure.

17. Key Generation

Key generation may require decoding locks, accessing manufacturer data or programming new electronic keys.

The Customer acknowledges that successful generation depends upon:

• the condition of existing locks;
• electronic control units;
• manufacturer software;
• security systems;
• availability of key codes;
• compatibility of replacement components.

The Company cannot guarantee successful key generation for every Vehicle.

18. Key Cancellation and Immobiliser Programming

The Company may delete lost or stolen keys from the Vehicle's immobiliser system where technically possible.

The Customer understands that:

• not every Vehicle supports key deletion;
• some manufacturers impose security restrictions;
• deleted keys may not subsequently function without reprogramming.

The Company accepts no responsibility where manufacturer limitations prevent successful completion.

19. Key Programming, OBD and EEPROM Programming

Programming vehicle keys requires communication with electronic control units, immobiliser systems and security modules.

Depending upon the Vehicle, programming may be carried out using:

• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD);
• EEPROM programming;
• bench programming;
• direct module programming; or
• other manufacturer-approved methods.

The Customer acknowledges that modern vehicles incorporate sophisticated electronic security systems which may respond unpredictably during programming.

Despite the exercise of reasonable skill and care, programming carries inherent risks including:

• programming failure;
• communication failure;
• immobiliser faults;
• module lock-out;
• security lock activation;
• corruption of electronic data;
• manufacturer software rejecting programming;
• loss of previously programmed keys;
• temporary or permanent loss of Vehicle starting capability.

The Company shall not be liable where such issues arise as a consequence of:

• manufacturer software;
• manufacturer security systems;
• software updates;
• incompatible replacement parts;
• undisclosed faults;
• previous repairs;
• aftermarket modifications;
• matters outside the Company's reasonable control.

20. Vehicle Electronics, Battery Voltage and Existing Faults

The Customer acknowledges that successful programming depends upon the Vehicle being in a satisfactory electrical condition.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that:

• the Vehicle battery is adequately charged;
• the electrical system is functioning correctly;
• no known faults exist which may affect programming.

Low battery voltage, unstable electrical supply or hidden faults may interrupt programming and may result in electronic control modules requiring further diagnosis or repair.

The Company will take reasonable precautions to minimise such risks but cannot guarantee that programming will be successful in every case.

The Company shall not be liable for programming failures, module failures, software corruption or electronic faults arising from:

• pre-existing defects;
• battery failure;
• voltage interruption;
• manufacturer software behaviour;
• third-party modifications;
• water ingress;
• accident damage;
• corrosion;
• age-related deterioration; or
• any circumstance beyond the Company's reasonable control.

Where existing faults prevent completion of the Services, the Customer remains liable for all agreed attendance, diagnostic and programming charges incurred up to that point.

21. Customer-Supplied Parts

Where the Customer requests the Company to fit, programme or otherwise work with any parts supplied by the Customer, including but not limited to keys, remote controls, locks, lock barrels, transponders, electronic modules or security devices, the Company accepts no responsibility for the quality, suitability or compatibility of such parts.

The Company shall not be liable for any failure, delay, incompatibility or damage arising from the use of customer-supplied parts.

No warranty is provided in respect of any customer-supplied part.

Where customer-supplied parts prevent the successful completion of the Services, the Customer remains liable for the agreed labour, attendance and diagnostic charges.

22. Aftermarket Parts

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Company may supply aftermarket or non-original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") components where appropriate.

The Customer acknowledges that aftermarket parts may differ from original manufacturer components in appearance, specification or design.

Manufacturer warranties may not apply to aftermarket products.

Any warranty provided by the Company shall relate only to the Company's workmanship and not to manufacturing defects covered by the supplier or manufacturer.

23. Workmanship Warranty

Subject to the provisions of these Terms and Conditions, the Company warrants its workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of completion of the Services.

This warranty applies only to defects arising directly from the Company's workmanship.

The warranty does not cover defects or failures resulting from:

• fair wear and tear;
• accidental damage;
• misuse or neglect;
• attempted theft or theft;
• criminal damage or vandalism;
• road traffic collisions;
• water ingress;
• corrosion;
• manufacturer software updates;
• modifications carried out by third parties;
• customer-supplied parts;
• pre-existing vehicle faults;
• electrical faults unrelated to the Company's workmanship.

The Company reserves the right to inspect any alleged defect before determining whether remedial work will be carried out under warranty.

The Company's liability under this warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing the affected workmanship at its discretion.

24. Photographs and Records

The Customer authorises the Company to take photographs, video recordings or other records of the Vehicle before, during and after the Services.

Such records may be used for:

• recording the condition of the Vehicle;
• documenting work carried out;
• quality assurance;
• training purposes;
• insurance claims;
• legal proceedings;
• dispute resolution.

All personal data shall be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation.

25. Storage of Vehicles, Keys and Property

Where the Company retains possession of a Vehicle, key, lock, security device or other property following completion of the Services, the Customer shall collect such property promptly.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, any Vehicle or property remaining uncollected more than seven (7) days after notification may incur storage charges of £49 per day or part thereof.

The Company shall exercise reasonable care whilst property remains in its possession but accepts no liability for deterioration caused by the passage of time, battery discharge, weather, corrosion or other matters beyond its reasonable control.

26. Right to Retain Goods

Ownership of all locks, keys, security devices and other goods supplied by the Company shall remain with the Company until payment has been received in full.

Where permitted by law, the Company reserves the right to retain possession of goods supplied until all outstanding sums have been paid.

Nothing within this clause shall prejudice any lien or other legal right available to the Company under the laws of England and Wales.

27. Limitation of Liability

The Company shall exercise reasonable skill and care in carrying out the Services.

The Customer acknowledges that automotive locksmith services involve working with vehicle bodywork, glazing, locks, electronic control systems, immobiliser systems and security components, and that certain risks are inherent in such work.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall not be liable for loss or damage arising from:

• cosmetic changes or marks which are an unavoidable consequence of carrying out the agreed Services with reasonable skill and care;
• pre-existing faults or defects;
• manufacturer software, firmware or security systems;
• electrical or electronic failures outside the Company's reasonable control;
• battery failure or unstable voltage;
• deterioration caused by age, corrosion or wear;
• incompatibility of customer-supplied parts;
• failure or bypassing of security products by criminals;
• theft or attempted theft of the Vehicle;
• vandalism or criminal damage by third parties;
• loss of personal belongings left within the Vehicle;
• delays caused by circumstances beyond the Company's reasonable control.

Subject to clause 29, the Company's total liability arising out of or in connection with the Services shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Customer for the specific Services giving rise to the claim.

28. Consequential and Indirect Losses

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from the provision of the Services.

This includes, without limitation:

• loss of earnings;
• loss of profits;
• loss of contracts;
• business interruption;
• loss of opportunity;
• vehicle hire charges;
• recovery or towing costs;
• storage charges incurred with third parties;
• accommodation costs;
• travel expenses;
• loss of use of the Vehicle;
• inconvenience or distress, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

29. Liability Which Cannot Be Excluded

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall exclude or limit the Company's liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by its negligence;
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
• breach of any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted;
• any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded under the laws of England and Wales.

Where any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

30. Complaints

If the Customer is dissatisfied with the Services provided, they should notify the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.

Any complaint should normally be made within fourteen (14) days of completion of the Services.

The Customer shall provide the Company with a reasonable opportunity to inspect the Vehicle and, where appropriate, remedy any defect before instructing another contractor to undertake remedial work.

Failure to provide such opportunity may affect the Company's liability for any subsequent claim.

31. Data Protection and Privacy

The Company will collect and process personal information only where it is necessary for the provision of the Services, compliance with legal obligations, the prevention of fraud, the administration of warranties, insurance requirements and the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

Personal information may include:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Payment information
• Photographs of the Vehicle
• Service history relating to work undertaken

The Company will process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and any other applicable data protection legislation.

The Company will not sell or knowingly disclose personal information to third parties except where required by law or where necessary for the performance of the Services.

The Customer may request access to personal data held by the Company in accordance with applicable legislation.

32. Force Majeure

The Company shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations where such delay or failure arises from events beyond its reasonable control.

Such events include, but are not limited to:

• Severe weather;
• Flooding;
• Fire;
• Road traffic incidents;
• Vehicle breakdown;
• Industrial action;
• Fuel shortages;
• Failure of suppliers;
• Power failure;
• Internet or telecommunications failure;
• Government restrictions;
• Public emergencies; or
• Any other event beyond the Company's reasonable control.

Where such an event occurs, the Company's obligations shall be suspended for the duration of the event.

33. Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or limit any statutory rights available to consumers under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or any other applicable legislation.

Where any provision of these Terms conflicts with mandatory consumer protection legislation, that provision shall be interpreted so as to give effect to the Customer's statutory rights whilst preserving the remainder of these Terms.

34. Business Customers

Where the Customer is acting in the course of a business, trade or profession, the Customer confirms that they have authority to enter into this agreement on behalf of that business.

Business Customers shall indemnify the Company against any losses arising from inaccurate instructions, failure to provide authority, or breaches of these Terms by their employees or representatives.

35. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation, work authorisation, risk acknowledgement or other document expressly incorporated into the agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer.

The Customer acknowledges that they have not relied upon any statement, representation or promise not expressly set out within these documents.

Nothing within this clause excludes liability for fraudulent misrepresentation.

36. Amendments

The Company reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

The version applicable to the contract shall be the version in force on the date the Customer instructs the Company to carry out the Services.

37. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held by any court or other competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision shall, to the extent necessary, be deemed severed.

The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

38. Waiver

No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms shall constitute a waiver of that right or remedy.

Any waiver shall only be effective if made in writing and signed by an authorised representative of the Company.

39. Third Party Rights

A person who is not a party to this agreement shall have no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any provision of these Terms.

This clause does not affect any right or remedy of a third party that exists independently of that Act.

40. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, whether contractual or non-contractual, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising from or connected with these Terms or the Services provided by the Company.

41. Notices

Any notice given under these Terms shall be deemed valid if delivered:

• by hand;
• by first class post;
• by email to the last address notified by the receiving party; or
• by any other method agreed in writing between the parties.

A notice shall be deemed received:

• if delivered by hand, on delivery;
• if sent by first class post, two Business Days after posting;
• if sent by email, at the time of transmission, provided no delivery failure notification is received.