What Type of Car Key Do You Have?
Before you call anyone, it's worth knowing what you're dealing with — because the type of key significantly affects what the job involves and what it costs.
Basic Cut Key (Pre-1995 vehicles)
Older cars use a simple metal key with no electronics at all. Replacement is straightforward — the right blank and a cutting machine is all that's needed. These are cheap and quick to sort.
Transponder Key (Most vehicles 1995–2010)
Looks like a standard key but there's a small microchip embedded in the plastic head. That chip communicates with the car's immobiliser — if it's not been programmed correctly, the engine won't start even if the key turns in the ignition. You need both cutting and programming.
Remote Key / Key Fob (2000s onwards)
A transponder key with a built-in remote for central locking. Replacing one means cutting the blade, programming the chip, and synchronising the remote. A bit more involved, and priced accordingly.
Smart / Proximity Key (2010s onwards)
Stays in your pocket and the car senses it as you approach — keyless entry, push-button start. The most complex to replace, requiring specialist diagnostic equipment. Also the most expensive — but still considerably cheaper with a locksmith than at a dealer.
Locksmith vs Main Dealer — The Real Comparison
Main Dealer
- ✗ £200–£500+ for basic keys
- ✗ Often requires booking in advance
- ✗ May need vehicle recovered to them
- ✗ Can take days for some models
Automotive Locksmith
- ✓ £80–£250 for same job
- ✓ Same-day service
- ✓ Mobile — comes to you
- ✓ Usually faster turnaround
Lost All Your Car Keys?
This is the worst-case scenario — and the one where people get stung the hardest at dealers. When there are no working keys left, the car's ECU has to be accessed, existing keys wiped, and new ones programmed completely from scratch. This is called "all keys lost" (AKL) programming.
Dealers often charge £400+ for this. Here's what to do:
- Don't panic — it's fixable, it just costs more than a one-key replacement
- Call an automotive locksmith before you call the dealer — the saving is significant
- Have your V5 logbook ready to prove ownership
- Be at the vehicle when the locksmith arrives
What to Do If Your Car Keys Were Stolen
If your keys were taken rather than just lost, don't assume the thief won't come back for the car. Act quickly:
- Report the theft to police and get a crime reference number
- Ring your insurer — stolen key replacement may be covered on your policy
- Have the old key codes deleted and new keys programmed straight away
- Consider a steering wheel lock or a tracker for extra peace of mind
Car Key Replacement in Wigan & Ashton-in-Makerfield
Our car key replacement service in Wigan covers Wigan, Ashton-in-Makerfield, and the wider WN area. We carry diagnostic equipment for all common makes and models, and we come to wherever your car is — no recovery truck needed. If your car keys were stolen and you need to understand the full cost before calling, our 2026 locksmith price guide lists typical car key replacement prices — including all-keys-lost jobs — so you know what's fair. If you're also locked out of your home because your house keys were on the same ring, our 24/7 emergency locksmith service can sort both problems in one call.