Replacing your car key
This is probably one of the biggest inconveniences you can face, as your car is likely your lifeline. But the first thing not to do is panic, as there are ways around this issue. Find out what you can do if you need to replace your car keys in this guide.
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Can’t find your car keys and not sure what to do?
This is probably one of the biggest inconveniences you can face, as your car is likely your lifeline. But the first thing not to do is panic, as there are ways around this issue. Find out what you can do if you need to replace your car keys in this guide.
Most common reasons for needing to replace your car key
According to the AA, as per insurance claims data, these are some of the most common reasons people lose their car keys:
Stolen while owner was asleep
Stolen while the owner has been in the garden or has 'popped out for five minutes'.
Keys left hanging in house front door locks.
'Fished' through the letterbox or through an open window.
Stolen from workplaces, gym lockers and changing rooms.
Quietly picked out of unwatched bags or pockets in pubs and restaurants.
Taken following comprehensive burglary of the home – with the family car used as a getaway vehicle.
Stolen by way of threats, muggings or car-jacking.
Solutions to replacing your car key
Call a locksmith
A locksmith will be able to program a new key for your vehicle, even if you don’t have the original key. All they’ll need is your VIN (vehicle identification number), which can be found in your V5C.
This is probably going to be your best option if you need to replace your car keys quickly, as they’ll have equipment enabling them to replace keys for nearly all makes and models of car. It’s also a convenient option, as many of them offer mobile services, meaning they can come to you.
Car insurance provider
You’ll need to check your policy to see if it includes cover for replacement car keys, as not all of them include this. Often, this is an optional add on which you have to pay extra for. Also be mindful that if you do make a claim on your insurance, you could lose your no claims bonus.
Call a breakdown service
Depending on the sort of key you require, the breakdown service you contact may not have the necessary equipment to produce you a new one, resulting in a lengthy wait for a replacement key. They're also not professionals in key cutting and replacement, so calling a locksmith is usually the better alternative.
Go to your local garage
Some local garages will have diagnostic equipment to cut a new key for you, but this can be expensive. There's also no assurance that the particular garage you contact will have the necessary equipment to assist you.
What is the cost of replacing your car key?
The cost for a replacement car key will vary depending on:
-The vehicle make,model, and age of your car and what immobiliser it has. The older the car, usually the cheaper the key replacement.
-The key type you need to replace - i.e transponder key, remote key fob or keyless entry
-Where you decide to have you car key replaced - i.e at your local garage
On average, a car key replacement can cost anything between £80 - £150 with a locksmith. Keys with no buttons, such as transponder keys, are less expensive to replace, whereas keyless entry fobs are the most expensive due to the intricate technology.