Losing the only key to your car feels like a disaster, but for a car locksmith it's a routine job. You don't need the old key, and you don't need to tow the car to the dealer. We make a brand-new key at the car and programme it so the car starts.
What you'll need
Because we're making a key that starts your car, we always check that it's yours:
- V5C logbook in your name, or lease or finance documents
- Photo ID with the same name (driving licence or passport)
- The registration number, so we bring the right key
If the documents are locked in the car, tell us. We can open the car first.
How we make a new key from scratch
- We check the paperwork.
- We cut the blade (if your key has one) to match your car's locks, without taking the locks apart.
- We programme the new key to the car's immobiliser.
- We delete the lost keys from the car wherever the car allows it, so a found key won't start it.
- We test everything: locks, remote buttons and starting.
When the car makes it harder
Some cars keep their security data inside a module that has to be read before a new key can be added. That's where experience matters, and not every locksmith takes these jobs on.
- BMW 1 Series: we removed the engine ECU, read the ISN code, refitted it and programmed a new key.
- Toyota Yaris 2008: we opened the dashboard to get to the immobiliser box, prepared it for the new key and put everything back.
- BMW i8: a new smart key made from scratch after every key was lost.
Read the full story in our guide: Lost all your car keys? How a replacement works.
Locksmith or dealer?
A main dealer usually needs the car towed to them and may order the key from the factory, which can take days. We make the key where the car is, usually the same day, and the price is agreed before we set off.
Where we work
South London and Surrey, 24 hours a day: Croydon, Sutton, Kingston, Wimbledon, Streatham, Lewisham, Epsom, Redhill and Reigate, and the areas around them (SE, SM, CR, SW, KT and RH postcodes).