auto locksmith
Lost your only car key? We cut and code a new one at the kerb.
Mobile auto locksmiths program replacement transponder and keyless fobs on site — often cheaper than the dealer, no tow.
Lost your only car key and the car's going nowhere. A mobile auto locksmith can cut and program a replacement at the roadside — usually faster and cheaper than a main-dealer tow.
Scenario 01
Lost my only key
No spare in existence and the car immobilised. A roadside auto locksmith cuts and codes a fresh key to the immobiliser — and it's the perfect moment to add a spare.
Post a jobScenario 02
Keyless / proximity fob lost
Push-to-start cars still need a fob paired to the vehicle. A capable auto locksmith codes a new proximity fob on site — give them your exact make, model and year.
Post a jobScenario 03
Just want a spare cut
Down to one key and don't want to risk it. A planned spare is cheaper than an emergency replacement — book it before you lose the last one.
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The bits no other "locksmith near me" service has
Verified auto locksmiths
Auto work needs different tools and skills to house locksmithing. Filter your job to 'car' and only verified auto locksmiths can bid.
Key and programming priced up front
The bid itemises the key, the cut and the programming before anyone sets off — no doorstep surprise once your car's already off the road.
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Is a locksmith cheaper than the main dealer for a car key?
Usually, yes — and there's no recovery tow. Mobile auto locksmiths come to the car, cut to the lock code and program to the immobiliser on site, which often undercuts dealer pricing for the same transponder or remote key.What information does the locksmith need to make a car key?
Your exact make, model and year, plus proof of ownership (V5C logbook and ID). Some vehicles also need the locksmith to read codes from the car directly, which they do with diagnostic equipment at the roadside.
The full guide
About lost my car keys — need a replacement
You don't have to tow it to the dealer
Main dealers will replace a lost key, but it often means recovering the car to them, waiting days for a key to be ordered, and a premium bill. A mobile auto locksmith comes to the car, cuts a new key to the lock code, and programs the transponder or keyless fob to the immobiliser on site — frequently at a lower price than the dealer and without the tow.
Transponder, remote and keyless — what's involved
Almost every car since the late 1990s has a transponder chip in the key that the immobiliser must recognise. Remote fobs and modern keyless ("proximity") systems add electronics that have to be coded to your specific vehicle. A capable auto locksmith carries the diagnostic kit and key blanks for most UK makes and can pair the new key to your car's immobiliser at the roadside.
What a replacement should cost
A basic transponder key is typically £90–£160 supplied and programmed; a remote fob £120–£250; a keyless/proximity fob more, depending on make and model. It's worth asking the locksmith to cut a spare at the same time — the second key is much cheaper while they're already set up, and it saves the whole ordeal if you lose one again.
Lost versus locked inside
If your keys are actually locked inside the car rather than lost, that's a quicker, cheaper job — a non-destructive opening, no new key needed. We cover that under "locked out of my car". This page is for when the key itself is gone and a replacement has to be cut and coded.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Can an auto locksmith replace a lost car key without the original?
Yes. They cut a new key to the lock code and program the transponder or keyless fob to your car's immobiliser on site. The original key isn't needed, though having the V5C and proof of ownership to hand speeds things up.How much is a replacement car key from a locksmith?
Typically £90–£160 for a basic transponder key, £120–£250 for a remote fob, and more for keyless/proximity systems, supplied and programmed. It's usually well below main-dealer pricing and avoids a recovery tow.Do auto locksmiths handle keyless and push-to-start cars?
Most do. Keyless and push-to-start vehicles need a proximity fob coded to the car, which a properly equipped auto locksmith can program at the roadside. Mention your exact make, model and year when posting the job for the most accurate bid.Should I get a spare cut at the same time?
Yes — the second key is much cheaper while the locksmith is already on site and set up, and it spares you the whole replacement process if you lose one again later.
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