Changing car keys is something we all hope to avoid. But lost, stolen or damaged car keys are a common occurrence and when it happens knowing the costs involved will help you budget. In the UK the cost to change car keys can vary greatly depending on the make and model of the car, the type of key and the company you use. This guide will tell you everything you need to know when changing your car keys in the UK.
1. Types of Car Keys
Before we get into the costs, let’s look at the types of car keys:
- Basic Car Keys: These are the old-fashioned metal keys with no electronics. The cheapest to replace.
- Transponder Keys: These have a chip inside that communicates with the car’s immobiliser. More secure than basic keys but more expensive to replace.
- Remote Key Fobs: These allow you to remote control your car, usually with buttons to lock/unlock the doors and sometimes start the car. More complex and therefore more expensive to replace.
- Smart Keys: Also known as keyless entry or proximity keys these are the most advanced and expensive. You can start your car with the press of a button and often come with extra features.
2. Costs to Change Car Keys
Several things affect the cost to change car keys in the UK:
- Car Make and Model: Luxury and newer cars have more complex keys which are more expensive to replace. Brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi are more expensive than Ford or Vauxhall.
- Type of Key: As mentioned above the type of key you need to replace will affect the cost. Basic keys are the cheapest, smart keys are the most expensive.
- Location: Costs can vary depending on where you are in the UK. Urban areas like London will have higher service charges than rural areas.
- Service Provider: Whether you use a dealership, locksmith or online service will also impact the cost. Dealerships are more expensive but will offer manufacturer specific keys, independent locksmiths may offer a cheaper solution.
- Emergency Services: If you need to replace your keys quickly, especially outside of business hours you may be charged extra.
3. Costs by Service Provider
Here’s a breakdown of the costs you might expect to pay when changing car keys in the UK:
- Dealerships: Going through your car’s dealership is usually the most expensive option. For example replacing a transponder key at a dealership could cost between £150-£300. For smart keys the cost could be £500 or more depending on the car make and model. The dealership will charge for the key itself and the programming.
- Independent Locksmiths: A cheaper option is to use a local locksmith. The cost to replace a transponder key through a locksmith is usually between £70-£200. Locksmiths can cut and programme keys for many car models at a lower cost than dealerships. But not all locksmiths can replace every type of key, especially for high end or newer cars.
- Online Services: Some online platforms offer replacement keys at competitive prices. These services will ask for details about your car and will send a replacement key that you can have programmed locally. Prices are between £50-£200 depending on the type of key. But be aware of quality and warranty issues with online services.
- Insurance Claims: In some cases your car insurance may cover the cost of the key replacement especially if the keys were stolen. But this may affect your no-claims bonus so you need to weigh the costs.
4. Extra Costs
- Programming Fees: Even after you get a new key you may need to pay for programming to sync it with your car. This can cost between £50-£150 depending on the type of key.
- Key Coding: For some vehicles especially those with advanced security features the key may need to be coded. This will add another £50-£100 to the total cost.
- Emergency Call-Out Charges: If you’re stranded and need help now emergency locksmiths may charge an extra fee, usually between £50-£100.
5. How to Save on Key Replacement Costs
- Spare Keys: Keep a spare key. It’s cheaper to duplicate an existing key than to make a new one from scratch.
- Check Your Warranty: Some car warranties cover key replacement so check your terms before paying out of pocket.
- Compare Prices: Don’t go with the first quote you get. Compare prices from dealerships, locksmiths and online services to get the best deal.
- Key Insurance: Some insurance policies offer key cover as an add-on. This is worth considering especially if you have a high end car with expensive keys.
Conclusion
The cost to change car keys in the UK can be as low as £50 for a basic key to over £500 for a smart key. The type of key, your car make and model and the service provider will all impact the cost. By knowing these and exploring your options you can make an informed decision and save on key replacement.
Always consider keeping a spare key and check if your insurance policy covers key replacement to avoid unexpected expenses in the future.