“How much will a new car key cost me?” is the first question almost every driver asks after losing a key. The honest answer is that it depends on the key, the car and who does the work. This guide explains what drives the price so you can spot a fair quote.
Typical Price Ranges
UK price guides put a basic non-chip key at around £80 to £160 including cutting. Remote keys and transponder keys cost more because they need programming to your car. Keyless smart keys sit at the top of the range and can pass £250 or more, especially at a main dealer. These are general guide figures, so always ask for a quote based on your exact vehicle.
What Changes the Price
Key type. A bladed key with no chip is cheap. A chipped key needs programming, and a proximity key for a push-button start car needs more advanced equipment.
Make and model. Premium brands such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi tend to cost more than a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa.
Whether you have a spare. Copying a working key is usually simpler than creating one from scratch when every key is lost.
Time of day. Emergency call-outs at night or on bank holidays can cost more with some providers.
Where the work is done. Dealers often require a tow, a booking and a longer wait, all of which add to the bill.
Locksmith or Dealer?
A mobile auto locksmith usually costs less than a dealership because there is no tow and no workshop booking. You also avoid waiting days for a key to be ordered. Autowagon cuts and programs keys at your location, and we confirm the price before any work begins. See our car key replacement page for the full service.
Ways to Keep the Cost Down
Get a spare made while you still have a working key, since this is nearly always the cheaper job. Check your insurance policy, because some include key cover. Send your registration, make and model for a quote before you commit, and avoid unclear “from” prices that grow once the locksmith arrives.
Prices Depend on Where You Are
Because our service is mobile, there is no workshop overhead built into the quote. We cover the whole of Norfolk, including the following towns.
Drivers in the city can book our auto locksmith in Norwich team, while West Norfolk customers can use our auto locksmith in King’s Lynn service. On the coast, our auto locksmith in Great Yarmouth cover is available around the clock, and in Breckland we serve drivers through our auto locksmith in Thetford service.
If You Have Lost Every Key
When no key is left, the job needs more steps, but it is still doable at your vehicle. Our lost car key service creates a new key from your vehicle data, and our car key programming work makes sure it starts the car before we leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to go to a locksmith than a dealer?
In most cases yes, because a mobile locksmith avoids towing and workshop delays.
Can you make a key without the original?
Yes. We can cut and program a new key using your vehicle registration and data, even when you have lost every key.
How long does it take?
Many jobs are finished within an hour of arrival, depending on the vehicle.
Do you charge extra for nights and weekends?
Call us with your registration and location and we will confirm the price before we start.
Call 07395 328717 or message us on WhatsApp for a clear quote.