Lost your car keys? Start here
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Read the detailsTHE CAR KEY HELP CENTRE
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Understand your options, solve a key problem and plan your visit. Find practical advice for your vehicle, from a lost key to a planned spare.
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37 guides and useful pages
Which key service do I need?
Match your situation to replacement, spare keys, programming, repair or vehicle access.
Read the detailsKey not detected: what to check before booking help
A practical checklist for a key-not-detected warning: record the message, compare your spare and find the correct vehicle-specific backup procedure.
Read the detailsKey battery or vehicle battery? Describe the difference
Separate a remote-key problem from an unresponsive vehicle. Check what still works, record warnings and prepare the details needed for an assessment.
Read the detailsBuying a replacement car key online: check before ordering
Check what a key listing includes, confirm compatibility and ask about programming before purchasing a shell, blank blade or replacement electronic fob.
Read the detailsCar key types: blades, transponders, remotes and smart keys
Understand the key-type labels used in our catalogue, including physical blades, transponders, remote fobs, proximity keys and key cards.
Read the detailsCar locksmith or dealer? Compare the complete key service
Compare a dealer and mobile auto locksmith using the same vehicle details, key requirements, total cost, appointment arrangements and aftercare questions.
Read the detailsStolen car keys: replacement and security questions to ask
Tell your locksmith when a key may have been stolen. Ask about missing-key authorisation, physical lock access, remaining keys and checks after replacement.
Read the detailsCar will not start: record the symptoms before booking help
Describe a non-starting vehicle clearly: key movement, dashboard response, sounds, warnings and recent work help determine the right assessment.
Read the detailsKeys locked in the boot: what to do before help arrives
Prepare for a boot lockout with a clear location, vehicle details and key information. Check safe access options and understand the limits of keyless systems.
Read the detailsReplacement ECU compatibility: check before you buy
Prepare vehicle details, unit identifiers and fault history before buying a replacement ECU. Confirm compatibility, cloning or programming requirements first.
Read the detailsDiagnostic scan or fault-finding: what are you booking?
Understand the difference between reading fault codes and investigating their cause. Ask what a diagnostic appointment includes before agreeing to repairs.
Read the detailsCar key replacement cost: compare the complete quote
The cost depends on the exact vehicle, key system, whether a working key remains and the work required at the vehicle. Our catalogue shows listed spare-key options. Confirm the full price for your registration and postcode before booking.
Read the detailsHow long does car key replacement take?
There is no single completion time for every car. Ask separately about arrival, parts availability and the time needed for cutting, programming and checks. We confirm an estimate for the vehicle and current availability before agreeing the visit.
Read the detailsSpare key or all keys lost: which service do you need?
A spare-key appointment adds a usable key while one still works. An all-keys-lost job starts without a working key and may also require vehicle access and security decisions. Both depend on the exact vehicle, key system and available options.
Read the detailsCar key insurance: what to check before booking a replacement
Some UK policies cover lost or stolen keys, but the cover, limits and claim conditions differ. Ask your insurer what it authorises before booking. A spare key does not come with a guaranteed insurance discount.
Read the detailsChoosing an auto locksmith: questions worth asking
Check that the provider supports your vehicle, explains the complete quote and identifies who will attend. Read relevant reviews and verify any claimed accreditation with the organisation that issued it.
Read the detailsKeeping car keys safe at home and when you are out
Keep keys out of sight and away from doors and windows, secure the spare separately, and check that the car has locked. For passive keyless keys, consider a tested signal-blocking pouch as one part of your precautions.
Read the detailsKey finders and spare keys: prepare before the next lockout
A key-finder app needs a compatible tracker attached and set up beforehand; it cannot locate an arbitrary car fob. Keep a working spare securely apart from your everyday key so it remains useful during a lockout.
Read the detailsRecycling old car keys, fobs and batteries
Keep potentially useful keys for assessment first. Unwanted electronic fobs and their batteries belong in appropriate collection schemes, not household rubbish. Check your council’s instructions for metal keys and small electrical items.
Read the detailsA mobile auto locksmith visit: booking, access and final checks
Send your registration, model, year, postcode and working-key status. Confirm compatibility, the full quote and current availability before attendance. A mobile visit still depends on safe access and the work required for your vehicle.
Read the detailsAftermarket or original car key? Compare the complete option
Choose a key that is confirmed for your exact vehicle and supplied with the functions and support you need. An original or aftermarket label alone does not establish compatibility or reliability.
Read the detailsCar key programming: what the service needs to include
Programming prepares supported key electronics for the vehicle. Cutting a blade, pairing remote buttons and enabling starting are different requirements, so ask which are included for your key.
Read the detailsCar key programming failed? Record what still works
Stop repeating an unsuccessful procedure and record the exact result. The key’s suitability, the procedure and any existing vehicle fault need checking before deciding what to do next.
Read the detailsChanging a car key battery: check the exact fob first
Use the battery type, orientation and opening method specified for your exact key. Not every fob has an owner-replaceable battery, and a fresh battery does not solve every remote fault.
Read the detailsSmart keys and digital car keys: what is the difference?
A smart fob is a physical key used with a supported keyless system. A digital car key is a compatible phone or watch credential. An app with remote controls is not automatically a digital starting key.
Read the detailsRemote start, keyless entry and app controls explained
Remote start, keyless entry and app locking are separate features. A replacement fob cannot be assumed to add them; check the vehicle’s equipment and the manufacturer’s requirements first.
Read the detailsRepair or replace a damaged car key? Start with the fault
Repair may be suitable when the fault is limited and the useful components remain serviceable. Replacement may be needed when the key cannot be restored reliably. An assessment should establish which applies.
Read the detailsWhat your quote should include
A practical checklist for agreeing the scope and total before work starts.
Read the detailsHow your appointment works
From your first call to the final checks with your vehicle.
Read the detailsFrequently asked questions
Quick answers about keys, coverage and appointments.
Read the detailsArrange help for your vehicle
Call or send your vehicle details and postcode to check support and availability.
Read the detailsReplacement car keys
Replacement keys, even when you no longer have the original.
Read the detailsEmergency car opening
Mobile help when your keys are locked inside the vehicle.
Read the detailsBroken key extraction
Help with a broken key in the ignition and the work needed afterwards.
Read the detailsIgnition repair
Assessment, repair and replacement for vehicle ignition problems.
Read the detailsSpare car keys
A duplicate for another driver or a useful backup for yourself.
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