Car key replacement

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If you have lost or misplaced your car keys, locked them inside your vehicle, or have had your car keys stolen, you can have them replaced by the manufacturer. However if you need more immediate assistance, and want to get into your car sooner, a local garage or mobile car key replacement service can help.

Car key replacement average costs and prices

The cost of a key replacement can vary depending on your car make and model.

Whether you just need a duplicate of your car keys, or in need of a complete replacement, there are numerous trusted garages and mechanics that are specialists in car key replacement. On average, you will find that a car key replacement will cost around £281.78.

Car makeAverage price
Audi£326.18
BMW£304.16
Citroen£244.37
Ford£259.95
Mercedes£294.72
MINI£295.98
Peugeot£231.56
Renault£260.90
Toyota£325.03
Vauxhall£236.48
Volkswagen£284.86
Volvo£336.36

Find car key replacement locksmith near you 

The best place to get your lost or damaged car key replaced is from a specialist auto locksmith. Some garages might have an auto locksmith on site, however, other providers will just specialise in this one area.

Finding an auto locksmith to get you back onto the road

  • Enter your car registration and postcode
  • Compare local garages, mechanics and dealerships based on price, reviews and location.
  • Book your auto locksmith online instantly
    Book your chosen mechanic at a time that works for you.

  • Car key repairs

    The average cost of a car key repair from an auto locksmith booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £232.82. If your electronic fob has stopped working, an auto locksmith will be able to repair it by reprogramming the key to your car’s locking system. If your manual car keys are broken, they can cut you a new one and repair any damage to your lock.

    Can include
    • Electronic car fob repair
    • Manual car key repair
  • Car key replacement

    The average cost of a car key replacement booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £281.78. If you’ve lost your car keys, or they’ve been stolen, you can get a replacement from your dealership or an auto locksmith. They can provide you with new electronic keys and reprogram your lock system to the new key, or they can cut you a brand new manual key that turns in your doors and ignition if needed.

    Can include
    • Electronic key replacements
    • Manual key replacements
  • Car key programming and coding

    The average cost of car key programming booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £250.33.

    Electronic keys are highly convenient and secure, but like anything, they can become damaged and stop working. When your car begins to fail to recognise your key's unique code, it's time to get it reprogrammed. An auto locksmith can diagnose and recode your car keys to help you get back on the road.

    Can include
    • Key card reprogramming
    • Remote fob reprogramming
    • Flip key reprogramming

Which car key replacement service do you need?

The different types of car keys range from transponder keys to lock transmitters. They all need to be programmed and some need special software and diagnostics. For broken, stolen or lost car keys, it's best to get a specialist auto-locksmith to help.

Car key replacement service:

There are generally 4 types of car keys:

1. Remote fob with key

This key folds within itself and it can also be referred to as a switchblade key. There is a button on the fob that will pop out the key for use.

2. Remote entry fob with integrated key

Remote entry fob with integrated key is exactly what they sound like: an entry fob combined with a key. You have the security of the key being programmed to your car, but can choose between the button or key to access it.

3. Remote keyless system fob

Remote keyless systems are made of a key fob transmitter and a receiver inside the vehicle. It is the standard solution for conveniently locking and unlocking a vehicle's doors and boot by remote control.

4. Transponder keys: non-remotes

These are the most common car keys these days. They are similar to mechanical keys but also have an electronic component in the head which communicates with your car to ensure it is the right key. If they need replacing, then these keys need to be programmed correctly to the vehicle so a specialist auto locksmith will help with that.

If you've lost your only set of car keys, an auto locksmith can provide you with a replacement and reprogram the new car key to match your vehicle. The old key will be deprogrammed to make it useless, in case it has been stolen. If you do not have the original key, a locksmith will be to program a new key for your vehicle. All that is required is your vehicle identification number (VIN) which can be found in your logbook.

Car key repair service:

If your car key has been broken or damaged, you can look at the options for getting the car key repaired. Common car key issues which can be repaired are:

  • The car key has snapped in two

  • The car key is worn out or becomes temperamental

  • Transponder chip in the car key is damaged

  • The car key is jammed into the ignition of your car

  • The car key buttons are damaged

An auto locksmith or car key replacement garage will be able to carry out repairs for your original car keys to get them working like new again.

How long does it take to get a lost car key replaced?

The time it takes to replace your car key will depend on the following factors:

  • The type of key, whether it is remote fob, keyless entry, or transponder.

  • The make and model of your vehicle

  • Whether the blank key is in stock

Specialist auto locksmiths are the fastest way to get a lost car key replaced, often giving you a new car key on the same day.

Get your car key replacement done at home

Often you will find that many garages and mechanics are able to offer a mobile car service or repair from your home. A lot of auto locksmiths provide a mobile service and will be able to travel to you, with all key blanks and programming software carried in their vehicle.

Can I get a car key replacement without the original?

Yes. This isn’t a problem as many automotive locksmiths will have specialist car key equipment that reads the key’s design straight from the car’s lock. They will also disable any existing car keys so that if they are found, they cannot be used later on. 

Do I need to have my car locks changed if I have lost my car keys?

For modern cars, there is no need to change the locks as the auto locksmiths are able to program a new fob or car key, and then disable any old ones. They can also reconfigure existing locks if needed. 

Are replacements for lost car keys covered by insurance?

You will find that some insurance providers will cover key replacement as part of their lost and stolen key cover, however, it’s important to note that it is often sold as an additional add-on service. Check your no claims process though as this might affect the no-claim discount if you claim on the insurance cover.

What can I do if my car keys have been stolen?

If you realise your car keys are stolen, then it’s important to get in touch with an auto locksmith to ask them to stop the stolen keys being used. This can be done by disabling your old car key and reprogramming your vehicle so the stolen keys cannot be used. They will also reconfigure your locks and ignition, depending on how old your car is.

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