One of the questions almost every client asks—understandably—is about price. We recognise that it’s essential to know what it’s going to cost to get a new car key or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged transponder fob so you can get on with your day.
As part of our commitment to exceptional customer service and pricing transparency as a leading auto locksmith, our website features published price lists by make and model. However, the cost of the replacement key itself may not be the only variable to consider.
Here, we’ll run through the factors that will impact the cost of our services as your auto locksmith while sharing some tips and insights to help you avoid spending over the odds.
Reasons the Cost of Car Key Cutting May Vary
The first aspect of quoting for a replacement car key is identifying the type of keys you have—because conventional, single-metal keys are becoming increasingly rare. Unlike a straightforward door lock, most modern cars have electronic keys that can incorporate multiple functions and features.
Some drivers have flip keys, which are somewhere between the two. They have a standard metal lock tucked inside the outer case, intended to prevent the key from scratching anything when in your bag or pocket and to provide a smaller, discreet way of carrying your keys.
The more technological key models we come across on a daily basis include the following:
- Remote keys, which unlock a vehicle from within a maximum threshold distance. Some remote keys with lower-quality casings are surprisingly easy to break, and the buttons often stick, which means replacements may be needed sooner or more often than for a simple key.
- Transponder fobs—one of the standard key types issued with new vehicles. They transmit a digitised, unique code when you activate the unlock button. You don’t need to put the key into the lock or ignition; you can open your vehicle and start the engine using only the transponder concealed within the plastic case.
Although it’s less likely you’ll have broken the lock or ignition in your car with a more advanced lock, the key itself costs more to replace—but the total cost of your auto locksmith callout could potentially be less pricey than for a driver with a basic key that has snapped or become lodged in the lock.
How the Make and Model of Your Car Influence the Cost of a Replacement Key
While the vehicle you drive doesn’t necessarily mean your key will automatically cost more or less than any other, the security devices and locking mechanisms used in higher-end marques naturally mean the keys supplied with each vehicle tend to be more complex.
A higher-spec set of keys will cost more to replace than a generic key, and much may also depend on whether the chip within the key casing has been damaged—in which case, we might need to replace the whole mechanism rather than the key itself.
Transponder and keyless keys need to be programmed to be compatible with your car and to work in the same way as the original key supplied with the vehicle. This means spending extra time replicating the functions of your lost, stolen, or damaged key before the new device is ready to use.
Car Key Cutting Costs Based on Location and the Urgency of the Call Out
There is no predictable way to know when your key might become broken or lost, and we attend callouts in myriad locations, which could include:
- Workplaces
- Roadside assistance
- Your home
- Car parks
If you are fortunate enough to have a backup spare key and need to replace a damaged car key without any particular urgency, we’ll usually slot in the work at a day and time that makes sense or arrange for one of our mobile auto locksmiths to drop by within the next day or two when they are in the area.
More commonly, you’ll need an auto locksmith as soon as possible to enable you to regain entry into your vehicle, continue your journey or head home—which means an emergency callout.
Our 24-hour service is designed for these very scenarios, but if you are in a rural location, somewhere very difficult to find or access, or stuck somewhere at the side of a busy A road or motorway, we’d absolutely recommend contacting us as a matter of urgency to ensure you can return home safely.
As always, being conscious of traffic and fast-moving vehicles and waiting away from the immediate roadside is imperative, and if you can, you should display hazard lights or a warning triangle if your key breaks during the evening or in overcast weather.
Advice on Reducing the Cost of a Replacement Set of Car Keys
The easiest way to ensure you don’t spend more than necessary on your new car key is to use an experienced, reputable local locksmith. It’s a well-known fact that the average cost of buying a new car key from a dealership is around double what we can offer, and it commonly takes significantly longer for a new key to arrive.
Another is to check you’re using an accredited auto locksmith with membership in a reputable organisation like the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA). This gives you the assurance that we abide by sector-wide codes of conduct and provide clarity around callout costs and replacement key prices without overcharging unsuspecting customers.
Finally, if you’ve had a key-related disaster and need an emergency callout and a new set of car keys immediately and haven’t budgeted for an unforeseen cost, you can take advantage of our financing options, designed to make quality auto locksmith services accessible to all.
For more information about the cost of ordering a replacement car key for your vehicle, booking a callout, or applying for our financing solutions, you’re welcome to contact the friendly team at Eydens Auto Locksmiths and Vehicle Security at any time—call, send us a message, or use our online chat function for 24/7 emergencies.
