Last Updated on October, 2024
Damaged or lost car keys are a frustrating problem for any car owner. Even if you take extra care not to misplace or break them, continued use can wear down and weaken your car keys.
Speculating on the cost of a car key replacement can give you a headache. When tackling this issue, it’s important to have the right information to determine your next course of action.
This article will show you how much you can expect to spend, as well as the different variables that influence the cost of car key replacement.
Quick Summary
- The cost of replacing a car key in the UK varies based on the type of key and the vehicle’s make and model, ranging from £80 for a basic metal key to over £1,000 for high-end models like BMW.
- The main factors that affect car key replacement costs include the vehicle’s make and model, the type of key (metal, remote, transponder, smart), and whether you choose an auto locksmith or a dealership for the replacement.
- Using an auto locksmith is generally cheaper and faster than going through a dealership. Additionally, having a spare key made can save time and money in case the primary key is lost or damaged.
What is the Cost of Car Key Replacement in the UK?
Let’s start by answering the big question: how much does it cost?
Key prices vary based on the manufacturer, model, and type of key. Car key replacement costs also vary depending on whether you need a spare key or a brand-new key.
The lowest you can expect to pay for a replacement car key is £80, with the average cost being £215. However, higher-end car key replacements could cost thousands of pounds. Below, we’ve provided a list of different key types and car models with their prices (VAT included).
- Metal car key replacement – £80-£160
- Remote key fob replacement – £130-£250
- Transponder key replacement – £100-£250
- Smart key replacement – £200-£350
Replacement costs also vary depending on the car’s make and manufacturer. Below, we’ve listed some popular car models with their prices (VAT included).
- Ford Fiesta remote key replacement – £317
- Nissan Qashqai remote key replacement – £335
- Kia Sportage remote key replacement costs – £406
- Volkswagen Golf remote key replacement – £379
- BMW i8 replacement key – £1,000
Factors That Influence Car Key Replacement Cost
Several factors affect car key replacement cost. Let’s look at what they are.
Vehicle Make and Model
The first factor to consider is your vehicle’s make and model. Key replacement costs will be higher for luxury brands such as BMW, Audi, and Bentley than for mid-range manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
Higher-end cars often require specialised parts to create spare keys or replacements, which inflate the final cost.
Modern vehicles also implement transponder chips in their car keys for added security. Replacing car keys for such vehicles might involve installing a new transponder chip.
Since auto locksmiths purchase these chips at a high cost, they will charge a high amount for their installation and programming.
Type of Key
Some car keys are more complicated to replace than others, and the type of key you have will determine the cost of replicating it or making a new one.
Traditional metal keys are the cheapest to replace due to their simple design and construction. However, these are primarily found in older vehicles, and newer models use more sophisticated car key designs.
A remote car key can unlock your car door from a distance with the press of a button. Remote flip keys perform the same function while also letting you hide the physical key in the fob when it is not in use.
Transponder chips are standard for all new vehicles entering the market. This type of car key uses an electronic chip to communicate with the car and start the engine.
The vehicle must authenticate the key before granting access, which adds an extra layer of security, but also increases the replacement cost.
Auto Locksmith or Dealership
When replacing vehicle keys, you have the choice of going to an auto locksmith or your local car dealership. This may seem like a trivial decision, but which option you choose will have a big effect on the final cost.
An auto locksmith is generally the cheapest option when looking for a new car key. This is because auto locksmiths have straightforward pricing and are always looking to stay ahead of competitors.
You can acquire a top-quality key at a fair price, with the bonus of faster service and increased convenience.
On the other hand, traditional car dealerships charge higher replacement costs for the same work. We recommend avoiding them as they consider replacement car keys an additional service, which subjects you to premiums and hidden fees.
Car Insurance
Cars in the UK sometimes have insurance coverage for lost or stolen keys. This is known as key cover, and if this policy insures your vehicle, you can avoid having to pay for a car key replacement.
However, your vehicle may need to be fully insured to be eligible for key cover. Additionally, some policies may not include it in the standard contract and instead have it as an optional clause.
You can contact your car insurance provider for more information.
Reasons Why You Need a Car Key Replacement
While car key replacement costs can be very high, some scenarios make them unavoidable. In the UK, most replacements happen in cases of lost or stolen car keys, but physical damage can also render your key useless and leave you in need of a new one.
A traditional metal key can wear out over prolonged use, as the friction from making contact with your door or ignition lock can cause it to change shape and become dull. When this happens, your car key could get stuck in the ignition cylinder or break off from its plastic casing.
Meanwhile, remote car keys can also malfunction when damaged. Certain buttons may become unresponsive, or the remote might fail to unlock your vehicle unless it is in close proximity.
Why are Replacement Car Keys So Expensive?
Over the years, car keys have evolved to allow for more convenience and greater safety.
A traditional car key is generally cheaper to replace because it provides limited security. On the other hand, keyless entry systems use new equipment and advanced anti-theft technology, making them more expensive to replace.
New transponder keys also need to be reprogrammed to work. Car key programming requires professional knowledge and skill, which means an auto locksmith will charge a high price for their service.
How to Replace Car Keys?
When looking for a replacement car key, you have a number of options. Which one you choose will depend on several factors, such as cost, vehicle model, and how urgently you want a new car key made.
Auto locksmith services: Auto locksmiths provide quality service while also helping you reduce the cost of car key replacement. Unlike dealerships, they specialise in key cutting and reprogramming, which makes them the faster and more reliable choice. To stay competitive, an auto locksmith may also offer mobile service for on-location assistance.
Local garage: Some local garages have the necessary tools and equipment to assist with car key replacement. However, they are more expensive than locksmith services and might be unable to replace keys for certain car models.
Roadside assistance: Depending on your manufacturer and insurance policy, you may be able to call for roadside assistance for your issue. They will help you with lockouts and, in some cases, fashion a replacement key then and there.
Car key insurance: If your vehicle insurance policy includes key coverage, you will be able to obtain a replacement car key at zero cost. Keep in mind that invoking this clause will reduce your no-claims bonus. Some insurance policies have key cover as an optional clause, so it’s best to clarify this with your insurance provider.
Car dealership: If you need a car key replacement, your first instinct might be to visit a traditional dealership. While they are certainly capable of getting the job done, the high replacement cost can often be a deal-breaker for most customers.
Dealerships are also limited when it comes to service; they might provide replacement car keys for certain models, but may not have the stock or equipment to do the same for others.
Are Spare Car Keys Worth the Cost?
Having a spare car key in addition to your primary key can be helpful in many ways.
A backup key will ensure that you still have access to your vehicle even if the main key is lost, which can be especially beneficial during emergencies.
Moreover, if your primary car keys are stolen, your car will be unlocked and vulnerable to theft. A spare set will help you keep it secure while you take appropriate action.
Finally, having a spare car key will help you elongate the lifespan of the original. By using the two keys interchangeably, you reduce the wear and tear on the old one and allow it to maintain its shape for a longer period.
What is the Cost of Car Key Reprogramming in the UK?
For vehicles manufactured during or after the late 1990s, simply replacing the car key won’t be enough. Nearly all models released within the last 25-30 years have some form of keyless entry system, so car key replacement for these vehicles is more complicated and expensive.
Modern cars use three main types of keys:
- Remote key fobs
- Transponder chip keys
- Flip keys or proximity cards
A new key will need to be reprogrammed so that the car can identify and authenticate it.
In addition to cutting you a copy key or replacement, some auto locksmiths also provide key programming services.
With the proper equipment, a specialised locksmith should be able to program a replacement key in a few minutes, though this can vary. Some replacements may take longer, depending on the diagnosis.
Reprogramming will increase your car key replacement cost by £200, though that figure can change depending on the brand.
Relevant guides:
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a clear idea of the different factors that affect car key replacement cost and how much you can expect to spend.
Replacing a lost car key is not a small expense, but it is also necessary. Even if your original key is still with you, we recommend having a spare one made for emergencies.
Mishaps can occur when you least expect them, and a backup key will keep you stress-free and your vehicle accessible at all times.
