Apex Vehicle Solutions

Legal

Automotive Security & Ownership Policy

Last updated: 12 August 2026

Yes — auto locksmith is included

This policy covers auto locksmith work (keys, entry, immobiliser-related assistance where offered) and other security-sensitive vehicle services. Work only proceeds after reasonable ownership or authority checks.

This policy is operated by Stephen Michael Mornington, sole trader trading as Apex Vehicle Solutions ("I", "me", "my"). It applies to services arranged via apexvehiclesolutions.co.uk, related bookings/portals, and any security-sensitive work delivered by me or an assigned field technician. It sits with the Terms, Acceptable Use and Privacy Policy.

I am not a limited company and not any third-party company with a similar name. This policy does not replace police procedures or court orders.

1. Why this policy exists

Key cutting, vehicle entry, immobiliser/key programming and similar services can be misused for theft or fraud. Reasonable checks help protect vehicle keepers, the public and the business, and support lawful, professional auto locksmith practice in the UK.

2. What work is covered (including auto locksmith)

This policy applies to security-sensitive services, including:

  • Auto locksmith — non-destructive / automotive entry where offered; spare keys; lost keys; all-keys-lost scenarios; key cutting and programming where offered;
  • Immobiliser, transponder or remote-related work tied to vehicle access;
  • Other services where gaining access or defeating vehicle security is part of the job;
  • Any booking labelled locksmith, key, entry or security on the platform.

Ordinary remapping, diagnostics or coding that does not involve entry or key/security defeat may not need full locksmith-level checks, but I may still verify identity and vehicle details. If a job becomes security-sensitive on site, this policy applies from that point.

Trade ECU file-only jobs on apexfiles.co.uk are mainly covered by the File service disclaimer; however, requests that appear linked to theft or fraud will be refused under Acceptable Use.

3. Core principle

No security-sensitive work without reasonable belief that the customer is the owner or has lawful authority.

If checks are incomplete, inconsistent or suspicious, work will not start — or will stop immediately.

4. What I may ask for

Depending on the job (e.g. spare key vs all-keys-lost vs lockout), I may request one or more of the following. Exact requirements can vary:

  • Photo ID (e.g. driving licence or passport);
  • Vehicle registration document (V5C) in a matching name, or other strong proof of ownership;
  • Proof of address;
  • Finance / lease / company letter of authority where the vehicle is not privately owned by the person present;
  • Insurance documents or purchase documents where relevant;
  • Police crime reference or incident detail if you are the victim of theft-related key loss (where applicable);
  • Answers about how keys were lost, who else has access, and recent ownership changes;
  • Sight of the vehicle, VIN plate and matching paperwork on site.

I may take copies or notes of documents solely for verification and record-keeping, as described in the Privacy Policy. Providing false documents is a serious matter and may be reported.

5. Who can authorise work

  • Registered keeper / owner — with matching ID and documents;
  • Authorised person — e.g. named driver or family member with clear written or verifiable authority plus supporting evidence;
  • Company / fleet — authorised employee or contractor with company confirmation on headed communication or equivalent;
  • Finance / lease — authority from the finance/lease company where required;
  • Court / police direction — where lawfully required and documented.

Being able to open a door, knowing a rough address, or “needing to get to work” is not enough on its own for locksmith work.

6. When work is refused or stopped

Examples (not exhaustive):

  • ID and V5C (or authority) do not match;
  • Documents look altered, incomplete or borrowed without authority;
  • Story is inconsistent or pressure is applied to skip checks;
  • Vehicle shows signs of theft or cloning concerns;
  • Third party objects with a credible ownership claim;
  • Job appears to facilitate crime;
  • Safe working conditions cannot be established.

A wasted-journey or call-out charge may still apply where attendance was booked and refusal results from failed checks or missing documents, as set out in the booking / Terms.

I may report suspected crime to the police. Emergency crimes in progress should be reported by you to 999 / 101 as appropriate.

7. On-site / booking process

  • Bookings for locksmith or security work may flag that documents are required on site.
  • Checks are normally completed before cutting, programming or entry work begins.
  • Photos or notes of documents may be taken for the job record.
  • If you cannot produce required evidence, the appointment may be rearranged or cancelled.
  • Assigned field technicians follow the same ownership standards.

8. Personal data

Identity and ownership information is processed to prevent crime, perform the contract, and meet legitimate interests / legal obligations. It is handled under the Privacy Policy. It is not used for unrelated marketing.

9. Field technicians

Approved technicians must:

  • Complete required ownership / authority checks before security-sensitive work;
  • Refuse or pause jobs that fail checks and notify operations where required;
  • Not “help out” by skipping verification;
  • Keep customer documents confidential and use them only for the job.

10. False information

Supplying false identity, fake authority or misleading loss stories may result in immediate refusal, account suspension, and referral to law enforcement. You may be liable for losses caused by fraud.

11. Contact

Summary

Auto locksmith and other security-sensitive jobs require reasonable proof of ownership or authority (e.g. ID + V5C or equivalent). No documents, no work. Checks protect genuine keepers and help prevent vehicle crime.

Related: Auto locksmith · Terms · Acceptable Use · Privacy · Contact