Transponder keys
A standard key with a chip in the head. The blade is cut to your locks and the chip is coded to the immobiliser, so the engine will only start with a matching key.
Mobile service · Open 24 hours, 7 days
Car Key Replacement in Southampton and Hampshire
Lost, broken or worn out car key? I come to your vehicle, cut a new key and program it to your car on the spot, so there is no recovery truck and no waiting days for the main dealer. I am Shane, a trained auto locksmith based in Eastleigh, and I replace car and van keys across Southampton and the rest of Hampshire.
- Cut and programmed on site
- Quote before I set off
- 12 month warranty
5.0 on Google96+ reviews
New keys on siteCut, coded and tested
- 30 to 45 minutesTypical arrival
- 30 car makesCars and vans
- No call-out feeWithin 6 miles of Eastleigh
- 12 month warrantyOn keys I supply
The service
What Car Key Replacement Involves
A modern car key is two things in one. There is the metal blade, which turns the door lock and, on older cars, the ignition. Then there is the electronics: a transponder chip that talks to the immobiliser, and on most cars a remote that locks and unlocks the doors. A replacement only works when all of it is right, so the job is never just cutting a piece of metal.
I start by identifying the exact key your vehicle uses from the registration, make, model and year. I cut the blade to match your locks, then connect to the car and program the new transponder and remote so the immobiliser accepts it. Before I leave, every key is tested for starting, locking and unlocking. If your old key was lost or stolen, I can remove it from the car’s memory on most vehicles so it will no longer start the engine.
When you need a replacement key
Most calls come from one of four situations. The key has been lost, the key has snapped or worn out, the remote has stopped working, or you have bought a second-hand car with only one key. If there is no working key left at all, that is an all keys lost job, which I also handle at the roadside. If you still have one good key, now is the best time to get a spare made, as it is quicker and usually costs less than starting from nothing.
Key types
Types of Car Keys I Replace
From older transponder keys to the latest keyless systems, I carry the blanks and programming equipment to replace most keys at your vehicle.
Remote and flip keys
Keys with lock and unlock buttons, often with a folding blade. The remote needs its own programming as well as the chip, which is part of key fob and transponder programming.
Smart and proximity keys
Keyless entry and push-to-start keys that stay in your pocket. They carry an emergency blade inside, and are programmed to the car’s keyless system.
Key cards
Renault and some other makes use a card instead of a traditional key. I replace and program these on site, including where every card has been lost.
High security blades
Many cars use laser cut or internal track blades rather than a traditional flat cut. I cut these in the van with a mobile key cutting machine.
Van keys
Transit, Sprinter, Vivaro, Transporter and more. A van off the road costs you work, so van key replacement is treated as a priority.
Find the right service
Which Key Service Do You Need?
Car key replacement covers a few different jobs. Pick the one that matches your situation for the full details.
No keys left
Lost Car Keys
Every key is gone. I open the car, cut a new key from scratch and program it on site.
Lost car keys One key leftSpare Car Keys
Copy your working key before it goes missing. Quicker, simpler and lower cost.
Spare car keys Snapped or stuckBroken Key Extraction
Key snapped in the door or ignition. I remove the broken piece and cut a new key.
Broken key extraction Key will not turnIgnition Barrel Repair
Worn or jammed ignition that stops the key turning. Repaired or replaced at your car.
Ignition repairsStep by step
How I Replace Your Car Key at the Roadside
The whole job happens at your vehicle. This is what to expect from the moment you call.
You call or message
Tell me your registration, where the car is and what has happened. I give you a price and an arrival time.
Proof of ownership
For your security, I check you own the vehicle, usually with the V5C logbook and photo ID. If it is missing, you can apply for a replacement V5C on GOV.UK.
Cut the blade
I cut the new blade in the van to match your locks, whether it is a standard, laser cut or internal track key.
Program the key
I connect to the car and code the transponder and remote to the immobiliser, with battery support to protect the electrics.
Test and hand over
I test starting, locking and unlocking, remove lost keys where possible, then take payment and hand over your key.
Your options
Mobile Auto Locksmith or Main Dealer?
Many drivers assume the main dealer is the only place to get a new car key. For many vehicles, a mobile auto locksmith can carry out the same work at your car. This is how the two routes usually compare.
| What matters | Main dealer | Lucky Lock Master |
|---|---|---|
| Where the work is done | The vehicle generally needs to be at the dealership | At your vehicle |
| If every key is lost | The car may need to be transported there | Done at the roadside |
| Waiting for the key | The key may need to be ordered in | Most keys carried in the van |
| When you can get help | During opening hours | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Who you deal with | The dealership service team | Shane, from call to handover |
Pricing
What Affects the Cost of a Replacement Car Key?
Every car is different, so I do not publish one fixed price. These are the things that decide the cost, and once I know them I give you a fixed quote before I set off.
Get a fixed quoteMake, model and year
Newer and premium vehicles often use more advanced key systems than older, simpler cars.
Type of key
A basic transponder key costs less to supply than a remote, smart proximity key or key card.
Whether a key is left
Copying a working key is simpler than an all keys lost job, where the car has to be opened and coded from scratch.
Security system
Some immobiliser systems need extra security steps or a PIN code read before a key can be added.
Specialist module work
A few vehicles need data read directly from a control module, which takes more time and specialist equipment. I tell you if your car needs this before I start.
Makes and models
Replacement Keys for Most Car and Van Makes
I replace keys for 30 car and van makes, from the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa to BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover. Some makes need specialist work, such as VAG 5C/5D key programming for Volkswagen group cars that use your existing key, or a Mercedes ESL emulator when a steering lock fault stops the key working. Coverage depends on the model, year and key system, so send me your registration and I will confirm what is supported.
- Ford
- Vauxhall
- Volkswagen
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- Audi
- Land Rover
- Nissan
- Toyota
- Peugeot
- +20See every make I cover
Recent work
Recent Car Key Replacement Jobs
Real jobs, done at the vehicle, with photos taken on the day.
Volkswagen Passat B6
No keys left at all. I read the immobiliser data from the car, cut a new blade and programmed the key on site, with no trip to the dealer and no recovery truck.
VAG 5C/5D Key Replacement
A newer Volkswagen group key, replaced and programmed using the customer’s existing key. This system needs specialist equipment that I carry in the van.
See more recent jobs across Hampshire.
Where I work
Car Key Replacement Across Hampshire
I am based in Eastleigh, so Southampton and the surrounding towns are reached quickly, with no call-out fee within 6 miles. I also cover Winchester, Portsmouth, the New Forest and Salisbury. See all the areas I cover.
- Southampton
- Eastleigh
- Chandler’s Ford
- Hedge End
- Winchester
- Portsmouth
- Fareham
- Gosport
- New Forest
- Salisbury
Customer reviews
What Customers Say
Google reviews from drivers I have helped across Hampshire. You can read all my reviews in one place.
5.0
From 96+ Google reviews
Questions
Car Key Replacement FAQs
If your question is not here, call me or send me a message with your registration.
How long does a car key replacement take?
Once I arrive, most replacements are cut, programmed and tested during the same visit. Time on site depends on the key type and vehicle, and all keys lost jobs or high security systems take longer than copying a working key.
Can you replace a car key without the original?
Yes, for most cars and vans. I decode the lock to cut the blade and program the new key directly to the immobiliser, so no original key is needed.
Do I need to prove the car is mine?
Yes. To protect you and your vehicle, I check proof of ownership before handing over a key, usually the V5C logbook together with photo ID. If you are not sure what you have, ask me when you call.
Will my old key still work after the replacement?
If your old key was lost or stolen, I can remove it from the immobiliser memory on most vehicles, so it will no longer start the car. If you still have a working key, it is kept on the system alongside the new one.
Can you replace smart keys and keyless entry fobs?
Yes. I replace and program proximity keys for keyless entry and push-to-start cars, as well as remote keys, flip keys and key cards.
How do I find out the exact model and year of my car?
Your registration is enough for me to identify it. You can also check the make, colour and year of first registration with the free DVLA vehicle check on GOV.UK.
Can you replace my car key at night or at the weekend?
Yes. I work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including bank holidays. Call at any time and I will tell you when I can get to you.
Is there a warranty on the new key?
Yes. Every key I supply comes with a 12 month warranty, and I accept card, bank transfer or cash.
Need a Replacement Car Key Today?
Send me your registration and a photo of your key, or just call. I will give you a price and an arrival time straight away, day or night.