Understanding the cost of a new set of car keys, whether in an emergency or otherwise, is important for drivers. If, for example, you have just one set of keys and want to check whether you’ll save money by having a spare cut at your convenience, you’ll find that the answer is a resounding yes!
It’s also a fact that ordering spare keys through a dealership can be costly, and if you have time on your side, it can be significantly more economical to contact an independent locksmith who will have a new set of keys prepared to ensure that, if you lose your primary keys, you’re not left needing to pay an emergency callout charge.
Eydens Auto Locksmiths share some insight into what replacement car keys really cost, and some of the many variables that might influence that expense.
The Average Car Key Replacement Cost in the UK
Getting a new car key is very often more expensive than drivers expect, and that’s partly due to the cost of the key itself, but also associated with the circumstances under which a majority of car owners find themselves needing a replacement key.
The average cost is around £240, based on all types of callouts and all models, but this can range widely from an average of £160 for a manual car key to potentially £1,000 or more for a new BMW i8 key. Higher replacement costs are often linked to the following:
- Having an urgent requirement for a new set of keys to be programmed there and then.
- Needing an emergency auto locksmith callout, especially during unsociable hours, such as during the night, and in a remote location.
- Fobs with complex programming requirements that command specialist equipment, particularly for luxury brands and any niche or rare vehicle model with more advanced security.
As a local locksmith covering all of Coventry and the West Midlands, we offer competitive costs and fixed callout charges, but there is no escaping that your location, car make, and the urgency of your requirements can still affect the cost.
Understanding the Factors That Influence the Cost of Replacing Lost Car Keys
Most modern cars have a keyless entry system with transponder keys that activate locks and enable the ignition to start. Something as simple as a dead battery within a set of smart keys could mean you can’t get into your car or drive it, but you might also need a full replacement if the fob has failed or become lost or damaged.
Locksmiths are very familiar with programming this key type, but some models have more advanced security built in, which means that the unit itself may be more expensive. Therefore, your quotation will depend on whether you need new remote keys, a key that has an integrated transponder chip, or a ‘flip’ key.
Programming services typically cost between £50 and £200, but if you drive a car with a high-end key, the cost will be higher than replacing a basic manual set; some averages for comparison are below.
| Auto Locksmith Service / Car Model | Average Cost of a New Key Excluding VAT |
| Manual car key | £160 |
| Transponder key | £240 |
| Keyless key fob | £280 |
| Remote car key | £320 |
| Ford Fiesta | £275 |
| Range Rover Sport | £595 |
| Toyota Yaris | £390 |
| BMW i8 | £1,000 |
Comparing the Costs of a Replacement Car Key
If possible, it’s best to have ample time to collect and compare quotations to ensure you’re not paying more than you should due to the stress and urgency of needing a new car key quickly, and, as we’ve touched on, it’s common for dealerships to charge more than independent locksmiths.
That’s because dealerships often stock a limited number of spare keys for certain models and cannot program remote key fobs themselves, as this is a specialist area of expertise.
Consumers will therefore usually need to wait a few days or longer for replacement car keys and will pay a higher price, as the dealership will outsource key fob programming to a qualified professional.
You might also wish to check with your insurance provider whether your policy covers lost or damaged car keys. Although you’ll likely lose any no-claims bonus you hold, you might already be insured, in which case your provider will advise on what to do next.
Why Having a Spare Key for Your Car Makes Financial Sense
Programming a lost key replacement is sometimes a necessity if you’ve locked your keys inside your car, or have unfortunately been a victim of stolen car keys, and can’t access a spare, but in an ideal world, every driver will have a spare car key to hand.
Car key programming can be time-consuming, and having a spare set produced, especially if you have a push-button start car, an in-built immobiliser, or complex programming, is most cost-effective if your locksmith isn’t under pressure to produce a functioning set of keys there and then.
There are several reasons that emergency auto locksmith callouts will be more expensive than ordering a spare set when this isn’t a matter of urgency:
- Callouts are available 24/7, but there is a cost associated with having an auto locksmith travel to your location, more so if you need an emergency callout in the early hours or somewhere difficult to access.
- Having ample time means drivers can compare varied options, and have the opportunity to ask for quotations, while professional locksmiths can cater to customers’ requirements during general working hours rather than overnight.
- We endeavour to make car key cutting efficient and affordable. We can often schedule callouts or bookings to minimise travel times and overheads, bringing all the appropriate programming tools and equipment to a pre-scheduled booking.
This means that if you’re looking for a spare set of aftermarket car keys that require programming and want to ensure you always have a backup if your keys are broken, lost, or stolen, it’s advisable to use our free quotation tool to organise this before an emergency arises.
Simply enter your registration and share a few details, and we’ll be happy to provide an obligation-free quote for you to review in your own time and ensure you’ve got a set of spare car keys ready should you ever need them.
If you’d like a clear idea of your car key replacement cost or want to arrange a spare set at a time that suits you, get in touch with the team at Eydens Auto Locksmiths today.
