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The average cost to replace a car key can range from £160 to £532, depending on the type of key and the car's make and model.
While a basic key might only cost you £20 to replace, a smart key for a modern vehicle could cost more than £400.
There can be nothing more irritating than misplacing your car key, and more so, losing it at a price. You just saw it fall out of your pocket, get caught by the wind, break off in the ignition, or just disappear before your very eyes, but replacing a car key in the UK is quite complicated and expensive in comparison to some people's expectations. And when your car is equipped with a smart key or modern key fob, the expenses may go up by a large margin.
This cost guide will review all the details of the cost of replacing car keys in the UK. Whether you need a simple regular key, a sophisticated remote key fob or a dealer-specific system, you will find all you need to know about the most likely prices, cost differences and accessories that you can get depending on your vehicle, and in what circumstances.
Car keys are not made alike. There are those which are cut and go with simple designs, and some with microchips and remote buttons and in some cases, microchips that unlock the doors automatically when you approach the car.
The following are the most fundamental keys. They were mainly in the older vehicles and lacked any electronic parts. It is usually fast and inexpensive to receive a substitute.
In this case, on these keys, the prices can vary between £15 and £50, depending on whether you take them to the locksmith or the car dealership. In the event that you only need to duplicate an active key, you are likely to end up on the lower end of this price bracket.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s, and they have a chip in them which communicates with the immobiliser. The vehicle will not start without the right signal, which means that even with the right key placed in the ignition, it will go nowhere.
A transponder key will demand extra cost to replace because it requires programming. You should expect to spend between £80 and £180, depending on whether the locksmith will be required to come down to your place and crack your system.
Remote keys enable you to unlock and lock your car using buttons on your fob, usually. Flip keys are a merger of both the physical blade and the RF functions. These two will normally require being cut and programmed.
Replacement for these types can cost anywhere from £120 to £250, depending on your car’s make and model.
In the more recent vehicles, smart keys are standard. These keys do not have to be inserted anywhere. You only leave them in your pockets, and the car automatically knows that you are there.
It can be expensive to get a smart key back as a duplicate in case of its damage or loss. You’re likely to pay between £200 and £450, sometimes even more for premium models like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.
Several factors will determine the amount you will end up paying to replace your car key in the UK. The knowledge of these can assist you in making better and cost-effective decisions.
The key systems are normally more expensive in luxury and imported vehicles. For example, replacing a key for a Ford Fiesta might cost £120, while a Range Rover could run you £400 or more.
Auto manufacturers of high-end vehicles frequently have the proprietary key systems which are not in a position to be coded by unauthorized vendors (such as independent locksmiths or auto repair shops) therefore making it challenging or out of the question to do-it-yourself or employ a locksmith to swap keys.
The older vehicles have high chances of traditional keys that are not electronically programmed. These are more affordable to replace. The more recent models are usually equipped with intelligent systems and strong security fobs. These are relatively expensive, needing complicated programming.
The cost can be reduced a lot when you have a spare. When you lose your sole key, then the work is simplified many times. The locksmith or dealer might also have to reprogram the whole thing, clear all old keys in memory and even change some of the immobiliser systems. This can add £50 to £150 to the total cost.
Prices are different according to your location in the UK. The cost of key replacement in London or major cities is much higher as compared to smaller towns. A mobile locksmith in Manchester may charge £150 for a smart key, while the same job might cost £220 in Central London.
In case of an emergency, the price should be high: Suppose, you lock yourself out of your car on a Saturday night, you can bet a good price. Emergency call-outs often add £50 to £100 to the bill. Other providers could increase fees on out-of-hours service or long distance travel.
When the car owners lose their key, many of them run to the dealership. This makes it compatible and of high quality but it is the most costly option.
Average Dealership Car Key Prices:
In most instances, the dealerships do not even provide you with a new key on the same day. In particular cases, the key may have to be ordered internationally, in which case you may have to wait up to 3 to 7 working days. You may also need to tow your car to the dealership for programming, adding another £50 to £100 to your costs.
Most car keys may be replaced by a reputable auto locksmith, and this alternative may be cheaper than a dealership. These services can reach you where you are, open your locks, make a new key, and program it right at the place.
The Common Auto Locksmith Prices:
There is also a faster turnaround time by the auto locksmiths. Most of them can be within an hour, and can get your new key in less than half an hour.
Other drivers decide to buy a duplicate key or fob on the Internet. They are available at eBay, Amazon or special websites dealing with key replacement.
Charges Involved in Online Purchases
Nevertheless, these keys may require professional programming. Your local locksmiths or garages may refuse to program keys not provided by them, and some may even charge a premium price on third-party keys. The most horrible thing is that in other instances the key may not be compatible hence money is wasted.
Whatever source you use to get your substitute key, it will most likely require programming, except for an older model.
Key Programming Fees
This can be added to the service charge, especially when you employ a locksmith. It is usually shown in dealerships as a line item on its own.
There is a cutting fee for most of the physical keys. Key cutters and locksmiths employ the help of special machines to make a duplicate of the key.
Charges of cutting the key
All this may be the only cost you can incur when you simply need to repeat a key.
Replacement of key may not only be limited to the key. The following are some of the secret or extra costs that you need to be ready with.
In case you have misplaced all your keys, there is a possibility that the immobiliser system installed in your automobile should be reprogrammed. This prevails mostly in vehicles that have sophisticated security devices. The cost can range from £50 to £150.
The Engine Control Unit ( ECU ) that controls modern vehicles may also now need to be reprogrammed to accept a new key in some cases. This is more complex and may cost £100 to £300.
You might also want to have the locks changed because they may have been stolen, resulting in different keys being used to unlock the doors. Replacing door and ignition locks can cost £150 to £400, depending on your vehicle.
As an alternative, you may also be required to pay towing expenses when you are stranded and can not move your automobile without its key. Local towing typically costs £50 to £100.
There are also car models wherein the basic keys may be programmed without the help of specialised tools. As an example, various Ford or Vauxhall cars of the early 2000s can contain do-it-yourself details in their owner's guide. This means that the original key is inserted into the keyhole, then the ignition is turned on and off in a particular fashion, after which the new key is inserted.
This is, however, possible in the case:
It is not advised to program your modern smart key on your own. It may end up in total failure or rather permanent system errors.
Key cover is a feature or optional add-on on some car insurance policies. This may include the expenses on lost keys, lost keys costs, lost keys locksmiths costs and lost or stolen key programming costs.
What is normally covered:
What is usually Not Covered:
Key insurance typically adds £10 to £30 per year to your premium. If you have cover, make sure to check your excess. Some policies have an excess of £50 to £100, which can reduce the value of the claim.
Replacing car keys in the UK is not a one-size-fits-all kind of project. The price differs a lot according to the make, model and the year of your car, the kind of key, your geographical location and the urgency of the situation in which you need to replace your key to be done.
The best bet is to have one always ready at hand. It is an initial affordable investment, which would save you hundreds of pounds and a great deal of your strain later at the end of the road. With a dealer or locksmith, or an online dealer, either way, be sure you understand what you will get.
Ultimately, proactiveness and information can help in saving money, besides getting you on the road within a much shorter time.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.