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KEY Services FAQ
The cost of a new car key in the UK typically ranges from £100 to £300, depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and key type. Basic manual keys are cheaper, while smart or transponder keys require programming, increasing the cost.At AutoWagon, we offer affordable, fully mobile car key replacement across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, often at prices lower than dealerships.
Smart key replacement generally costs between £200 and £500, depending on your car’s model. Smart keys require programming to sync with your vehicle’s security system.
AutoWagon’s expert mobile locksmiths come directly to you, offering on-site smart key replacement and programming at competitive rates.
Modern car keys contain advanced technology such as transponder chips and immobiliser coding. This makes them more secure—but also more complex and costly to produce and replace.
AutoWagon uses advanced diagnostic tools to safely program and replace keys without dealership prices.
Most car key services take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Complex key programming or complete replacements may take slightly longer.
Our mobile service reaches you quickly—often within hours—so you’re never stranded.
- Key Type: Basic, remote, or smart/proximity key.
- Vehicle Make & Model: Luxury and newer cars require more complex programming.
- Replacement Method: Duplicating a spare is cheaper than creating a new one from scratch.
- Mobile Service Convenience: Our mobile service saves time and hassle by coming directly to your location.
If your key doesn’t start the car or its remote functions stop working, it likely needs reprogramming. Our mobile technicians can diagnose and reprogram your key on the spot
Usually not. If your key still fails after a new battery, reprogramming may be needed to restore functionality.
No. The vehicle must be present so the new key can be synced with the immobiliser system. AutoWagon’s mobile service ensures full programming at your location.
Yes. Low battery, water damage, or vehicle software updates can cause a key to lose its coding. If this happens, AutoWagon can reprogram your key quickly and securely.
Basic keys might be self-programmable, but most modern vehicles require professional equipment. DIY attempts can cause issues—so it’s best to let our qualified auto locksmiths handle it.
No. Most modern vehicles require programmed keys that match the immobiliser system. Without correct coding, the engine won’t start.
Security Solutions FAQ
The Ghost Immobiliser is an advanced anti-theft system that prevents your vehicle from starting unless a unique PIN code is entered using existing vehicle buttons. It protects against key cloning, relay attacks, and electronic hacking, making it one of the most secure systems available.
You enter a custom PIN code via steering wheel or dashboard controls before starting the engine. Without it, the vehicle remains immobilised—even if the thief has your key. It can also be disarmed via smartphone for convenient, hands-free access.
Vehicle theft—especially involving keyless entry cars—is rising across the UK. A Ghost Immobiliser adds an extra layer of protection, stopping thieves even if they bypass your alarm or key.
- Invisible installation
- Protection against key-cloning and hacking
- Bluetooth disarming with paired smartphone
- Automatic activation when ignition is off
- 5-year warranty with professional installation
- Optional finance available
AutoWagon installs Ghost II Immobilisers across Norfolk, Suffolk, and
Cambridgeshire, fully mobile for your convenienc
service reaches you quickly—often within hours—so you’re never stranded.
No. It uses encrypted communication and no external signals, making it virtually impossible to hack or bypass.
Yes. It’s TASSA-approved and accepted by most insurance providers. Many insurers offer discounts for vehicles fitted with Ghost Immobilisers.
No. The Ghost Immobiliser prevents unauthorised starting but does not track your vehicle. For full protection, pair it with a GPS tracker.
Yes. When power is restored, the Ghost Immobiliser remains active and functional— just re-enter your PIN to start the engine.
ALARM & TRACKER FAQ
A GPS tracker reports your vehicle’s real-time location, speed, and movement viasatellite. It’s an essential tool for both theft recovery and fleet management.
Decide based on:
- Personal vs business use
- Level of monitoring (self-monitored or 24/7)
- Insurance approval (Thatcham S7, S5, S5+)
- Extra features like immobilisation or driver ID
A Thatcham-approved tracker is tested for reliability and security by Thatcham Research. These are often required by insurers for high-value vehicles.
Approximate prices for supply and installation:
- S7 Tracker: £200
- S5 D-iD (App ID): £599
- S5 DRS (Bluetooth Card): £699• S5+ with Immobilisation: £799–£899
Subscription: around £12.50/month
GPS signals can be jammed, but advanced trackers use VHF (Very High Frequency), which cannot be blocked.
Some trackers include an immobilisation feature that can remotely disable the engine. If your car is immobilised, it may be due to an authorised immobilisation command.
VAN ALARMS FAQ
A van alarm helps prevent theft, protect valuable tools, and can even lower insurance costs. Pair it with van locks for full protection.
The StarLine S9 V2 system starts around £850 and can go up to £1,500 depending on your vehicle and chosen features
Yes. AutoWagon installs advanced smart alarm systems on nearly all van makes and models across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.
Yes. Smart alarms send instant alerts to your smartphone if your van is moved or accessed without permission.
No. All installations are carried out by qualified technicians to ensure your van’s electronics and warranty remain unaffected.
Absolutely. Smart alarms like the StarLine S9 V2 provide hands-free operation, GPS tracking, and protection against relay attacks, offering complete peace of mind.
Ignition Barrel FAQs
The ignition barrel is the core of your vehicle’s starting system — it’s where you insert the key to start the engine. A worn or faulty ignition barrel can prevent your car from starting, affect security, or even cause electrical issues. At AutoWagon, our mobile locksmiths specialise in ignition barrel repair and replacement to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly
You may have ignition barrel issues if:
- The key won’t turn or gets stuck
- The ignition feels loose or jammed
- The car won’t start, even with a working key
- The key breaks inside the ignition
If you notice any of these signs, contact AutoWagon immediately — we offer fast, mobile repairs across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.
In many cases, the ignition barrel can be repaired by cleaning, lubricating, or replacing internal tumblers. However, if the damage is severe or the barrel has seized completely, a replacement is the safest solution. AutoWagon’s technicians can repair or replace ignition barrels for most makes and models on-site, without the need for a workshop visit.
Ignition barrel failure is usually caused by wear and tear, using the same key for years, or dirt and debris inside the mechanism. Other factors include extreme temperatures or attempted theft. Regular maintenance and mindful key use can greatly extend the life of your ignition barrel.
The cost typically ranges from £250 to £500, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Most replacements take between 1 and 3 hours, and AutoWagon’s fully mobile locksmiths can complete the job wherever you are — quickly and conveniently.