You won’t believe the cost of a spare car key…
How much does it cost to replace your car key? Let’s just say that for a modern car, you’re not looking in the tens of pounds. Have you ever had to buy a replacement car key, and did you feel ripped off?
A few weeks ago, I went to get some spare house keys cut. It cost me £14.50 for two cylinder keys and a mortice key.
Although I was expecting to pay a little less, on reflection, I felt that was a pretty fair deal – after all, security is worth paying for, right?
However, I’m glad I didn’t need to buy a spare key for my car.
The expense of car keys
Of the hundreds of Which? members who contact us every month, one query caught my eye. The member described the cost of getting a new car key as ‘exorbitant’ – and suggested we investigate.
I quickly got on the phone to some of the car dealers in my area. I asked them to quote the cost of a year-old version of their most popular medium or large car.
The average price of a key from Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Ford, Vauxhall and Hyundai? £174!
Every single manufacturer I’ve spoken to so far charges well over £100 for a replacement key. Ford was the cheapest at £130 (admittedly this isn’t for the latest Focus), while Audi and Mercedes both asked for a whacking £228.
Are car keys a rip-off?
I have to say, I certainly like the convenience of remote central locking. But the latest must-have feature (one which is being promoted by Ford in the current Fiesta adverts) is “keyless entry”. This requires even more sophisticated chips and transponders inside the key – ultimately pushing the price up.
I rang another Ford dealer and found that a keyless fob for a new Fiesta (the UK’s biggest-selling car) costs £193, while a normal key is ‘just’ £135.
Car keys perform what is, in essence, a very simple job. They let you into your car and start it. Do they really need to be quite so complicated – and expensive? Or do you think the convenience of a remote locking or keyless system is worth the extra cost?
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Dave R.
I have an eleven year old Landrover Freelander and was quoted £162 for the barrel of the drivers door lock, there are no complicated electronics in that, it basicly looks like a yale lock barrel. where is the additional cost coming from? I suppose a small amount must come from keeping records of each key, but surely it doesn`t take long to put the appropriate bits in. luckily I didn`t need it, it was just the dust cover that had come out of its pegs and was stopping the key going in.
Ash
Brand name ‘Land Rover’ this is where the extra cost comes from..
Ken Doerr
A few years ago both my Vauxhall Zafira key’s remote function had become faulty. I found that the battery holder had become detached from the circuit board; probably caused by dropping the keys over time. A quick call to the dealer revealed a whopping 300 plus pounds to replace both remotes!
So, after a quick rummage to see if I could keep the battery holder in place and in electrical contact with a ‘spacer’ of some sort, I settled on the use of one 20 p and one 5 p coin in each one and clipped them back together. It works fine.
Total cost; 50 p.
Andrew S
I have a 2004 Mercedes C Class 200 Kompressor Elegance, bought from new. I have 2 keys, one for me and one for my wife. Her key is seldom used. Recently her key failed to start the car, and the dealer said is was a chip failure. Cost of a new key £215. This key has been seldom used, has not been dropped, not immersed in water or suffered any damage at all. I have argued that it was not fit for purpose on an expensive car, even though it is out of warranty, to my dealer, but no help. I wrote to Mercedes Customer Services and got a brush off. They quote it does not fall within their good-will policy – which they will not send me. I have written to the Chief Executive of Mercedes, Mr Marcus Brightshwerdt, personally, asking that he deals with it personally, but had my letter referred back to Ccustomer Sevices! I have written to him again, asking that he this time deals with it personally and does not send it back to Customer Services – who were unhelpful in the first place. I have pointed out that Mercedes made 4.7 billion euros profit last year and yet they want to charge £215 for a key. Clearly this is wrong. Can you help please. My next actions are you and the newspapers if they do not replace my key free of charge.
wavechange
The onus is on you to prove that the key was faulty at the time of manufacture and since the key is more than six years old I don’t think you will have any success.
In my view, a new car should be provided with three or four keys, since the additional cost would be very small.
If you feel strongly, don’t buy another Mercedes.
Simon
Don’t boil it up like this in your mind, Mercedes is a German Rolls Royce, sell it and buy a Ford, your new key will be £30 chaper.
Relax man
Simon
julieshrive
From experience dealing with consumer issues almost daily[ as very ethical] the Managing Director does not see his mail nor does his PA draw attention to it just following process which is send it to Complaints who maladministrate on remits. . They are all copying each other & have abolished Head Offices for direct contact .When you go to the Newspapers or media it never gets past the Newsdesk.If you protest they label you as abusive when it is they winding up with all the other Governmental organisations [ especially the Regulatory ones] since Deregulation.They all have the same undemocratic system When it is the Courts, the NHS , the Government or your bank this is not acceptable and could be the reason for the credit crunch.
Keyhole Surgeon
As a Auto Locksmith the car industry keeps most pin and key codes to themeselves thus pushing the price up. They require your car at their premises and charge you for the privilage, try a Auto Locksmith we can be up to 60% cheaper than dealer keys.
KMac
As another autolocksmith, I was about to post exactly the same thing and then decided to read the comments first! People often ring and think we’re expensive, but they soon call back after a chat/argument with the main dealer.
julieshrive
It is only a matter of time before a disabled person is left stranded. What appears to matter more is the car rather than the driver. What is worse but typical ,no one who makes decisions is contactable to resolve safety/ ethical issues.When this questionable way of operating & lack of courtesy to customers bankrupts them it maybe too late .it appears someone has to die before something is done.
Michael Le Fort
With my car insurer they sent a key fob with a £10 reward embossed on it so that anyone who finds the keys, if I was ever to lose them, would get the £10. This encourages people to be honest. And seeing as I have a C class Merc the £231 for replacing them is may too expensive
Michael Le Fort
Yes the costs of keys for a C class Mercedes are far too expensive. But my Insurer sent me two key fobs with a £10 reward for handing the keys is in should they every be lost. All insurance companies should do something like this as it encourages people to be honest and hand them in.
Ken
I have attached tiny USB sticks to my key fobs containing contact information for a finder to follow. I figure that the sort of person likely to bother tracing the owner of lost keys would have the skills to access the USB info and do the right thing.
wavechange
Ingenious, but isn’t a phone number on the key or key fob easier? This reminds me that I need to update one of the numbers on my key fob.
julieshrive
For someone dyspraxic like me I wouldn’t know what they are . Likewise most women & my age group. Maybe you have been too clever…..
allan
the cost of the keys even with chips / transponders / remote control built in etc etc that the customers are paying the dealers bares no comparison to what the dealers and manufacturers are paying for them. From memory I only paid £30ish for a new audi key from a dealer that had a transponder but no remote control function. I also pay £15 for remote control fobs for my house alarm that performs just like a car remote control central locking fob -( radio wave operation, rolling codes ) So to combine the two would give a modern multi function transponder car key – £45 not £150 plus ! It is not the technology or components that cause the price to be high – just greed. same with any car component – wheel cylinder from dealer £85 and identical componant from car factor £13.
john
i do understand the cost of a key. i am setting up has an auto locksmith. i couldnt believe the cost of set up alone. i am looking at £35,000. which has a business i have to have a return on. you also find alot of general locksmith will not go into cars because of the cost. my cost per key and lock out is alot cheaper than a dealer. with lost keys, the dealer will not put it down has a breakdown, and for them to work on the car will get it recovered at cost to the garage. i have know some jobs at. the dealers to take 3 days. so you hire a car,use buses or taxis, which are all extra cost. where i turn up to you, do the keys, and get you on the way in an hour. so when you at it with an auto locksmith, cost of the key is worth it
Les Roberts
Re this matter can you advise whether the costs for keys in November’s Which include vat. Last Friday I bought a replacement keep from a Mazda dealer which cost me £270. This is for a 2007 Mazda 3 and brings Mazda to the top of your list.I can email you a scan if you require but meanwhile will contact Mazda HO for comments.
Paul Davies
Hi as from another auto locksmiths point of view. I am not sure that keys are expensive the car cost thousands of pounds its the main security to the car. For years people moaned about the security now we have that in the form of the key.
We as locksmiths try to keep prices down. If you have 1 key get a spare one now its cheaper before it cost more money to lose that one, also don’t buy a car with 1 key demand 2 keys or money off for new one we here this story day in day out.
£200 for losing your car keys is cheaper than losing your car and that cost £000000 ?
julieshrive
You are missing the main point. it is time taken to get a new one if totally dependent on your car. Two weeks is not acceptable with locksmiths such as yourself not able to duplicate.Mine had my moboility scooter inside with no way could loan another.It appears someone has to die before issue is addressed.
Paul Davies
Hi
You must have had a very poor locksmith dealing with your key there is no way we take 2 weeks to produce a key dealers do this not us. Also any locksmith could have opened your door to your car within 5 to 10 Min’s and got your mobility scooter out.
I am not missing any point you are would you prefer you car stolen and have no car or scooter because without good security that’s what would happen.
Please don’t label locksmiths as the problem you are the one who lost the keys not us and we are here to help people like you out with your problem.
julieshrive
I contacted 6-8 key dealers none could do as my key had an immobiliser on & had to be individually reprogrammed going back to France [ Renault] first .The car dealers did it .Your arrogance is amazing.
Paul Davies
My arrogance your ignorance for not listening to a single word that has been said. We as auto locksmiths can programme your car within 2 to 3 hours we can reprogramme the immobiliser car dealers cant. Saving you time and money !
You have just tarnished everyone with the same brush .
Bryan Harkness
Timpsons the shoe repairers who have an outlet in our local supermarket will supply a key for any car starting at £35. Their dearest they say is £85. Strikes me this should be everyones first port of call! Anyone used them?
KERRY KING
My only key for my mercedes c class snapped and Timpsons dont do keys for that car so to say they can do keys for any key is a lie. x
julieshrive
Go and ask for Renault kangoo 2004 ??!!You seem to think everyone is lying ??!!
Paul Davies
What i can see is going on here is that not everyone one knows what they are talking about Bryan is right Timpsons can clone keys that can be cloned so he is right……some keys need programming to the car especially when there lost.
Now there is Julie i am sorry but you do not know what you are talking about you are very rude i have never said people are lying you just don’t want to listen to anything that is said,
Your Renault Kan goo lost key if you had gone to a auto locksmith he would have done this key for you within the day, you decided to go to dealers that don’t offer our service so your grief is with them stop being rude to us.
The article is about if car keys are to expensive i say No you have not stopped abusing anything a professional has to say.
I have read everything you have said and you have not even answered the question. You have been treated bad by a car dealer join the club, we all have at some stage in our lives.
What i am saying Julie is that i could have done your key in the day got your mobility scooter out in 5 Min’s flat and that would have made you happy so you see your issue is not about the price of the key is it. I have done lots of kangoos and i don’t think it has taken 1 week to do all of them never mind 2.
We have to deal with car dealers everyday like two other locksmiths have said on here they are non helpful to us even, they could just past this work on to us we can do this cheaper but they don’t they hold pin codes to the car that we have to pay for, bumping our price up to the customer when we are trying to keep prices down.
Next time you should look up a local auto locksmith as we can be up to 1/2 price of a dealer.
Patrick Steen
Hello Julie and Paul, please don’t make your comments personal. Check out our commenting guidelines if you’re unsure. Thanks.
Vron
My son was a student at Portsmouth University and was burgled in March 2011 – his Hyundai Accent car keys were stolen. The car was not taken – they only tried to remove the battery and maybe were disturbed. He got two quotes for replacements locks and keys – one was £750, the other £588. Neither his contents insurance or car insurance were willing to pay anything for this. Being a student he bought a big yellow lock for the steering wheel and hoped for the best.
However when he went to renew his insurance in July he found out that they would contribute £300 after all – and not renew his insurance until this was done. So it cost us £588 for the replacements – and we are still chasing the promised £300. Plus his new car insurance is higher than it should be until this is settled.
Lourens de Beer
There is no reason whatsoever that normal car remote’s – opening and closing – must be so expensive. The man in the street are being ripped-off by the big manufactures. And don’t think its the car dealer or spares place that is ripping you off – in some cases it might be – but most of the time it’s the big importers and manufacturers.
And they will come with all kinds of excuses for the ridicules prices – but the fact is – there are none. They ask those prices because we need the remotes!
It’s time we all stand up against these big conglomerates milking us dry!
wavechange
If manufacturers would provide four keys with a new car it would probably cost no more than a few pounds.
The high cost of replacement keys is partly due to the work of cutting keys and coding them (and sometimes re-coding keys that have not gone missing).
Manda
I have been quoted £170 for a replacement key for a Renault Laguna by the dealer!!!! RIP OFF BRITAIN!! I called an auto locksmith who quoted me £160+VAT!!! I cannot believe how this huge price can be justified?? I have one key which locks the car and one which i have managed to tape back together which will unlock the car. My cheapest quote has been from an independent garage which has quoted me approx £120. I will never ever get a car which has one of these card keys again!!
paulinroyton
I have a Ford Courgar which is 11 years old. My central locking key fob stopped working and had to lock the car with the key. I emailed Ford in Oldham asking them how much would it cost to replace the key fob. I was quoted £184 to have a new key fob and to have the chip re programmed. I was told that Ford use a computer to re programme the chip, and get the central locking working.
I looked on Ebay and managed to find an exact match for my key fob and was priced £18 buy it now. I was also sent information on how to re programme the chip and the central locking. I received the key fob, I exchanged my chip into the key fob, followed the instructions, and my car started and the central locking is also working.
I have saved so much money by cutting out a dealer.
Paul
keycare
Please check your car insurance you may have cover for your keys or there are alternative insurers out there can save you so much money.
Alex B
Something to research when buying a new or used car is whether you can introduce new keys to the immobiliser. The Mk III Mondeo, for instance, allows you to do so, but the procedure requires two keys already known to the immobiliser. If two keys are not available, then the immobiliser needs reprogramming by a Ford dealer at a cost of about £200-300, in addition to the cost of a transponder key and cutting (about £30).
Consequently, when I bought mine, I ruled out any used examples that only had one key, and as soon as I bought it, I got my local dealer to cut a new non-remote transponder key, and followed the procedure in the manual to introduce the new key to the immobiliser. I now have three valid keys, one of which I keep in a safe place.
wavechange
I see your point but perhaps there are more important questions to ask when buying a car. After all, you might not need to buy a new key.
Last time I bought a car I asked whether it had a proper spare wheel, because of previous experience with a space-saver wheel. I also asked about the interval for changing the timing belt, which can cost more than any replacement key.
Next time I buy a care I will ask if it actually comes with a spare wheel. It beggars belief, but some new cars are being sold without a spare.
Alex B
Wavechange, having enough keys is just one of my “show-stopper” questions. The timing belt is certainly another to take into account (though the Duratec engine in the Mk III Mondeo has a timing chain, which is intended to last the life of the engine, or maybe 120K miles – with much higher mileages being reported without issue).
Like replacing a timing belt, you might not need to replace a key, but if you don’t have enough to DIY, it will cost £350 or more. If the car’s good and discounted accordingly, that might be a risk worth taking. The dealers I’ve asked for a discount for that sort of thing were pretty stubborn though. Presumably because they’re sure it won’t even be an issue on the radar for some mug who eventually buys the car at full price.
wavechange
I did ask about keys when I bought my VW Golf and was pleased to find that it came with two plus an emergency key without a transponder. I would prefer if all new cars were provided with three or four full function keys, as I’ve mentioned earlier. The additional cost would be small, and very much less than providing replacements.
Being far-sighted (or an eccentric!) I did ask about the life of the timing belt when I bought my car and was told it did not have to be replaced for 80,000 miles, which would have been more than enough for me. Unfortunately, VW decided that the belt should be replaced after 40,000 miles/4 years soon after I bought the diesel Golf. It cost me over £300 pounds and the garage told me that they had made no profit on the job because it was harder than expected. They also warned me that it is necessary to take the engine out to replace timing belts on some cars, so be glad that yours has a timing chain.
john
if you can do it, it is worth having 3 keys, not all with remotes, keeping cost down. you would have your day to day key,which you keep on you. second key, your partner keeps, or left in the house. the third, hidden in the car. so if you do lose your keys, a auto locksmith can get access to your vehicle, for around £60, where you can access the hidden key, and be on your way, alot cheaper than getting keys cut after lost keys
Mad
I can buy a smart phone that lets me talk, email, watch videos and connect to the internet for $49.00. Its gt lots of computer chips in it. But a car key for my Lexus will cost me $260 “because it has a computer chip in it.” I dont think so-its a rip off, pure and simple.
gradivus
Your smart phone probably sells by the million.
The same chip is probably used in other models from the same maker.
The same chip might well be used by other makers in other models.
Thus there are probably tens of millions of that chip made.
By comparison, Lexus keys are produced in tiny, tiny numbers.
Computer chips can be churned out quite cheaply.
But the cost of chip design, and setting up the production facilities, is eye watering.
Think about it.
wavechange
Most of us have ordinary cars that are made in large numbers. Once the chip has been designed it will not be difficult to produce cheaply.
I can understand that providing replacement keys can be expensive because of the need for individual coding, but why do car manufacturers not supply three or four keys when you buy a new car. It would add little to the cost and hopefully avoid the need for most people to buy spares.
ray
as a pensioner i find it is a real rip off, i have a hyundi xg30 and my fob is playing up the main dealer wants £ 230.00 for a new fob but all it needs is a new case and wire connection, i pointed this out but they do not do repairs, i am currently serching the net as there some companies out there that can and will repair a key fob; i also found companies that can give you a replacement very cheaply
Melvin Simpson
I have a peugeot 206 which runs the battery down in the remote control keys about once a month but another problem is when the key is put into the door it will not even turn the lock , have also tried the spare key and this also does not turn the locks , if remote battery is flat i end up with no way to get into the car until the battery has been replaced inside the remote can anybody please advise what to do as this is a problem
wavechange
If the remote control buttons are kept pressed for any length of time that will drain the battery. Take care not to lay anything on the car keys.
It is easy to use a multimeter to check if there is a continuous drain when the buttons are not being pressed.
I have no idea how long batteries are supposed to last but my VW key still has its original battery after nearly 10 years of daily use.
paul
Are you using cheap batteries from a market or of eBay ? if not your remote is on its way out well the buttons are staying depressed draining battery.
New remote 2 button will cost around £70 if you have the peugeot codes will cost £40 to programme if no codes another £25 from a local auto locksmith.
You can also have 2 new buttons fitted on eBay for around £15.
As for door locks they need cleaning out with any lubricates on the market spray into key way hope that helps.
Dave Jackson,
Hi, I work for a Roadise Car Key Service in London and I understand that the price seems expensive for a simple new key to be replaced from the dealer or an auto locksmith.
But as an insider in the business, I can tell you that the margin on Key Replacement is actually very, very low.
These are the costs that the Dealership or Auto Locksmith will face before earning to cover fuel or earn a living:
1. Buying the appropriate replacement fob from a wholesale supplier (Depending on the make and model these raw materials for a high quality basic product can cost £60-105 just to buy in excluding delivery!)
2. Obtaining Key code and programming it to the vehicle – this can cost £10-32 depending on whether the code is purchased from the manufactuer with professional credentials or how it is purchased.
3. Programming Tokens – After the new key is cut it needs to be programmed to the actual vehicle itself using dealer standard diagnostic tools. These cost £3,000-£4,000 to buy and depending on the vehicle every time a key is programmed the provider will be buying a token for up to £12.50.
There are other small costs such as purchasing the key blanks to ensure the key is cut accurately as well.
In this context, I’m afraid it isn’t really realistic that replacement car keys are going to be supplied in a professional manner for less than £100 by a professional legal service.
You may be able to find back street alternatives able to help you more cheaply, but there are real risks associated with this. I have been asked to attend vehicles where the dashboard has been burnt out by an amateur key programmer who was using a faulty piece of Chinese Key Programming equipment.
If your car is very old and of low value, this may be a small risk worth taking to save money, but if I had a five figure Mercedes, I think I would look at other ways to save money first before risking my most precious vehicle after my house!
So to be honest, in my professional opinion for what it’s worth, I don’t think members of the public should look to save money on key programming. Where you can save big money is on remote control problems.
The security chip in the vehicle should work independently of the remote control that locks and unlocks the doors. If your remote stops working, but the key still drives the car, it’s probably just a battery problem. I often get called to customers who need nothing more than a battery change.
There are lots of good videos to how to change remote control fob batteries yourself on Youtube or there is a directory here you could look at if you need any help: http://www.autokeysquad.com/free-remote-car-key-fob-programming-instruction-guides
Anyway, good luck with your car key issue!
Malcolm R
I have a Renault with card key. The printed circuit board can crack under the buttons after a while. I have found a repairer who fixes the board and supplies a new battery, if needed, for £25 including postage. You should find the name under the DT’s Honest John website. I’ve had two repaired so far, very satisfactorily.
Lawrence King
I was quoted £155 for they blip remote cl key, by an idependent locksmith and £70 for basic key with transponder. Renault wanted £190 and 130 for a basic key. I got a basic transponder key from Timpsons (in Tesco) for £35 pounds, the guy even came out to the car to make sure that the key worked properly. Good value compared to the rip off dealerships. Would recommend them.
wavechange
Lawrence’s message inspired me to give the local Timpsons (in Tesco) a ring about getting a spare key because I would be much happier if I had three keys. The local branch said that they could not do a key for a Golf 6 and gave me the phone number of another branch. I have been asked to send a copy of my V5 to see if they will be able to do the job.
That has made me think about security. My V5 has my name and address on it, so someone could make a key and steal my car, which I don’t keep in a garage. Even if I go to the main dealer, someone could do the same.
Am I just being paranoid?
Auto Keyhole Surgery
Hi in reply to what you just said about your VW golf if they are a auto locksmith they should not be asking for your V5 to see if they can do it they should know.
Saying all of this that key needs to be programmed to the car no one can just get a key for it just walk up and start it.
If you need help look me up i will be happy to talk through what you need to do and where to go Paul. Auto Keyhole Surgery .
wavechange
Thanks very much for your prompt advice, Paul.
I live hundreds of miles away from your company, otherwise I would ask for a quotation. I will carry on making local enquiries and present the car rather than anything with my address on. It’s not urgent because I have two keys.
Mike fisher
I have recently been quoted £356 to replace the smart key for my new Hyundai i35.which because of its construction(it has an exposed button on the outside which can release the fob without you knowing)has fallen off whilst I was out shopping.All that was left on my key ring was the emergency key.However this only allows you to lock/unlock the car.There is no provision to start the car without the smart key actually being inside the car.On checking the manual.it tells you to call a breakdown company and have your car delivered to a Hyundai dealer.f
Fortunately my wife was with me and had her key with her,so we were able to get home.
Any suggestions on how a replacement key can be purchased for less than£356
Paul Davies
[Hi Paul, we do not allow contact details on Which? Conversation, nor do we allow the advertising of your own services. Sorry, mods.]
Car Salvage
Depending on the car and type of engine, it is sometimes possible to install an engine from a different vehicle in a given car.
dean
I have just been quoted £280 for a replacement fob for a citroen C5…..They also said,If I didn’t have the four digit security card that came with the car, It would be even more??? what planet are they on??
paul
[Hello Paul, we have edited this comment. Please do not post your contact details, nor advertise your own services on Which? Convo. Thanks, mods.]
Paul M
My sons 206 had a problem with starting so I bought, the ECU, the BSI, the Ignition Barrel, the Petrol Cap, the key Transponder Unit, One Key FOB and one Spare key with Transponder Chip for £100 from car breakers as a matched set from a working car. Cheaper to do all that than buy a replacement key from Peugeot. HA stuff you Peugeot Rip-off Merchants who wanted £155 for the key. Car works purrrfect!
BUT YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THE ECU IS EXACT MATCH TO EXISTING UNIT OR NO WORKY !!!!!
Ryan
What’s this I hear that if you find a Mercedes car keys you get a reward for handing in at a Mercedes garage? Mmm good.idea but surely if you just put your number on your keys someone will ring you?
stu
Also to consider has well as purchasing the code from dealer key ,fob, ect its also the cost of going out to the customer in lost cases which fuel isnt cheap these days, the liability insurance to cover, tools used, road tax, purchase of your own vehicle to provide the service and that small little bit of labour for yourself. so taking all that into considerstion all you guys who have lost your key just work out how much it cost a locksmith to run hes buisness!
Remember if you have a key always get one cloned cost you roughly £50 if lost completley prepare for the big bill and at the end of the day you need your key to move your vehicle so your knackered anyway.
rob
Q: does anyone know how many keys you have to cut and programme before you recoupe the out lay for the equipment used and running cost of a business that offers this service.
stu
Well a fully equipped auto locksmith equipment can range from around £8000 upto £20,000 so if average key is £90-£200 its a lot of cars then of course fuel wear and tear of vehicle.
Dealerships are making it harder and harder for locksmiths to get hold of keycodes, because they want there buisness thats why they charge so much. so thats why autolocksmiths pay so much for equipment because its continuing updated , And the locksmiths has to be 1 step ahead all the time even then its not always possible on certain models.
James
I programmed a key card the other day for a renault scenic, the customer had tried to save money by repairing their last key using parts they had purchased from eBay. They ruined it. They had phoned around several places and were quoted anything from £150-250. Renault would have charged £250 for two keys, but they needed the car delivered to them which would have cost £100 on top, the car had an electronic handbrake which only releases when the car starts.
I travelled 25 miles there and back, not passing the cost onto the customer and charged £180 for the key. I didn’t make a lot of money but now have a very happy customer that will pass more business my way.
Car keys aren’t cheap so do what you can to look after them. If you are ever left with just 1 key, that is the time to act upon getting a spare. Not when all are lost