Getting a spare car key made before you lose the only one is a practical step that saves time, money and stress. With a working key, a spare can be copied or programmed quickly. Replacement car keys average around £240 in 2026 estimates, but having no key left at all means the job takes much longer and costs more because ownership has to be checked thoroughly.
Why a spare is cheaper before you lose the key
When you still have a working key in your hand, a spare can be copied or programmed, and the MLA says a spare cut by an auto locksmith is often far the cheapest way of getting a spare set. Replacing a lost only key is likely to cost more and take longer.
If you wait until you have no key left, the situation becomes an emergency. Without a key to copy, the locksmith or dealership has to start from scratch. They must verify your identity and ownership before they can make and program a new key. Because ownership has to be checked thoroughly, it takes longer and costs more.
Having a spare ready also reduces the chance of needing an emergency locksmith if you accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle. A spare made in advance acts as an insurance policy against high emergency call-out fees. If you are ever locked out of your car, you can simply use your spare key to get back in and carry on with your day.
What kind of key you have
The price you pay for a spare will depend heavily on the type of key your vehicle uses. Older vehicles often use a standard or mechanical key. This is a traditional metal blade with a basic transponder chip hidden inside it, which communicates with the car to start the engine. Because the technology is older and simpler, standard keys are usually the cheapest to duplicate.
Most modern vehicles use a remote key. This type features a physical blade, often designed to flip out, alongside electronic buttons that lock and unlock the doors from a distance. The internal electronics are more advanced than a standard key, which pushes the price of a spare up.
Newer vehicles often feature keyless entry or smart keys. These proximity fobs allow you to unlock the doors and start the engine by pushing a button, without ever taking the key out of your pocket. The RAC says keyless entry cars cost more for a key than other types, though the averages below show remote keys costing more than keyless on that list.
What a spare or replacement key costs
A spare made while you still have a key may cost less than a full replacement, but the price depends on your make and model. You will need to get quotes for your own make and model to find out exactly what a spare will cost. The price is driven primarily by the key type you need.
This table shows the typical cost to replace different types of car keys.
|
Key type |
Typical replacement cost |
|---|---|
|
Standard or mechanical key |
Typically around £160 |
|
Keyless entry or smart key |
Typically around £280 |
|
Remote key |
Typically around £320 |
These are 2026 average replacement figures for a key, and your local quotes will differ. The overall cost of a replacement car key averages around £240, though luxury models cost more.
Because vehicle security systems vary so much, estimates differ. The RAC states that a replacement or spare car key costs between £250 and £400 or more, varying with the make, model and age of the vehicle. RAC data puts the average cost to replace keys and a fob at around £300.
Meanwhile, Admiral estimates that replacing a key could cost anything between £180 and £1,000 depending on the car, with some luxury models costing up to £8,000. An older 2021 estimate put a replacement set from a dealership at upwards of £200, and more if the fob needs programming or the car is a premium brand.
Always ask the locksmith or dealer for a total price, including parts, VAT and any programming charges, before you agree to the work.
Locksmith or dealer for a spare key
You can get a spare key cut and programmed by a local auto locksmith or by a main dealership. Auto locksmiths can provide a replacement key on site with no wait time. Some locksmiths offer mobile services, so ask whether they can come to you.
The Master Locksmiths Association notes that a spare key cut by an auto locksmith is often far the cheapest way of getting a spare set cut. A spare key cut by a high street or online service is usually cheaper than going to a main dealership.
Dealerships can be more expensive than locksmiths. Some dealers order the key in from the manufacturer rather than cutting it on site, which adds time to the process and leaves you waiting for the spare to arrive. However, for very new or high security models, a dealership may be the only option available to you.
You should compare an auto locksmith or main dealer by getting quotes from both. The Master Locksmiths Association advises getting at least three quotes from different auto locksmiths to ensure you pay a fair price. When you ask for a quote, describe your vehicle accurately and ask for the total price including VAT.
What you need to bring
A key for a car is normally made only after ownership has been checked, so expect to show documents whether you use a local locksmith or a main dealer.
You will need to bring the following items to prove your ownership:
- Your photo ID, such as a driving licence.
- The vehicle make, model and age.
- The vehicle identification number or VIN.
- Your V5C logbook.
- Other proof of ownership, such as a purchase receipt or finance agreement.
The RAC advises having your VIN ready.
If you cannot find your V5C logbook, other proof of ownership such as a purchase receipt or finance agreement may be accepted, so ask. A replacement V5C usually costs £25 and arrives within five to seven working days.
Keyless and smart keys
Cutting a spare key is a relatively cheap option for cars without keyless technology, according to the RAC.
If your car uses keyless entry or a smart key, keyless entry cars cost more to get a key for, according to the RAC, and the key needs programming.
When you ask for a spare keyless fob, check whether the provider includes the programming in their quoted price. Some providers charge an extra fee to program or code a modern key on top of the cost of the fob itself. Always clarify this before the locksmith or dealer starts work.
Where to keep your spare key
Once you have invested in a spare key, you must store it securely. The RAC advises keeping spare keys in a safe.
You should keep spares somewhere you can reach them in an emergency, but not on the same bunch as your house keys. If you lose a single bunch containing both your car and house keys, it could leave you unable to get in to your home and unable to drive.
Consider leaving a spare set with a trusted friend or relative who lives nearby. This ensures that even if you lock yourself out of your house and your car at the same time, you have a reliable backup plan.
Key cover on your car insurance
Your car insurance policy might help cover the cost of a replacement key, though this depends on your specific provider. Key cover may be included as standard, or it may be sold as an optional extra. Adding it to your policy may increase your premium.
Read the limit and conditions of your policy wording carefully. Cover and conditions differ between insurers, so check what your policy says before you arrange any work.
Check whether claiming for a lost key will affect your no claims discount. If the cost of the spare key is lower than your policy excess, it is usually cheaper to pay an auto locksmith directly rather than making an insurance claim.
What to do if you have already lost it
If you are reading this too late and have lost your only car key with no spare available, you must act quickly to secure your vehicle.
Contact an auto locksmith or your main dealer immediately. Explain that all keys are lost and you need a completely new set. You will need to provide your driving licence, the V5C logbook and the vehicle identification number so they can verify your ownership and order the correct codes.
A lost key can be stopped from being used by removing it from the vehicle database. Ask the auto locksmith whether the lost key can be removed so it can no longer be used with your vehicle.
Common questions
Can I get a spare car key cut without the original?
In many cases an auto locksmith or dealership can create a new key without the original, but it costs more and takes longer. They must verify your ownership, for example with your V5C logbook and driving licence.
How long does it take to get a spare key made?
Auto locksmiths can provide a replacement key on site with no wait time. Some dealerships order the key in from the manufacturer, which adds time.
Do I need to go to a dealership for a new key?
No, a spare key cut by a high street or online service is usually cheaper than a dealership. However, for very new or high security models, a main dealership may be the only option available to get a working key.
What happens if I lock my keys in the car?
If you are locked out of your car with the keys inside, an auto locksmith can use non-destructive entry methods to open the door without causing damage. Having a spare key kept safely at home or with a relative reduces the chance of needing an emergency call-out.
Next steps to get your spare key
Getting a spare car key made before you lose the only one is a simple process if you prepare the right details. Follow these steps to arrange your spare key today:
- Locate your V5C logbook and a valid form of photo ID such as a driving licence.
- Write down your vehicle identification number, make, model and age.
- Check whether your car uses a mechanical, remote or keyless entry key.
- Get at least three quotes from different auto locksmiths and your main dealer.
- Ask for a total price that includes the physical key, programming and VAT.
Taking the time to arrange a spare now will protect you from high emergency costs and long delays later. When you are ready to get quotes and compare prices, you can find a locksmith near you to get a straight answer on what a spare will cost for your exact vehicle.
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