The benefits of having a spare car key are a lower cost than an emergency, no lockout wait, a car that stays in use, a key for a second driver, a backup for a snapped key and no dealer wait. A spare costs £80 to £220. A new key after the only key is lost costs £150 to £400 or more.
Only 1 key for the car? Call 07830249408 in Devon, Dorset or Somerset. I cut and program a spare at home or at work in 30 to 60 minutes.
The sections below give the 6 benefits, the cost of a spare against a lost key, the best time to get a spare and what happens with no spare.
A spare car key costs £80 to £220 and saves a lost key bill of £150 to £400 or more. It also ends a lockout, keeps the car in use and gives a second driver a key.
What Are the 6 Benefits of Having a Spare Car Key?
The 6 benefits of having a spare car key are a lower cost than an emergency, a lockout that ends in minutes, a car that stays in use, a key for a second driver, a backup for a snapped key and no dealer wait.
Lower cost than an emergency
A spare made in advance costs £80 to £220. A new key after the only key is lost costs £150 to £400 or more.
A lockout that ends in minutes
A second key at home ends the next lockout without a call out.
A car that stays in use
A spare keeps the car in use on the day the first key fails. The spare also keeps the car in use when the main key is stolen.
A key for a second driver
A duplicate car key is a copy for a second driver, so 1 key is not passed back and forth.
A backup for a snapped key
A worn blade snaps in the lock. The spare drives the car while the broken key is replaced.
No dealer wait
A dealer takes 5 to 14 days to order a key. A spare in the drawer takes no time.
How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost Against a Lost Key?
A spare car key costs £80 to £220 against £150 to £400 or more for a lost key, which is a new key after every key is lost. Most spare car keys cost £80 to £180.
| Job | DB Car Keys | Main Dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Spare key, most vehicles | £80 to £180 | £150 to £350 |
| Spare key, premium make or smart key | Up to £220 | Quoted by the dealer |
| New key, every key lost | £150 to £400 or more | More, after 5 to 14 days and recovery to the dealership |
Spare car keys made at home or at work take 30 to 60 minutes from arrival, and the original keeps working throughout.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Spare Car Key?
The best time to get a spare car key is while 1 key still works, in working hours on a weekday. A spare key made then is the cheapest, and nights, weekends and bank holidays add 20 to 50 percent. A used car bought with 1 key is the most common reason to have a second key made straight away.
What Happens With No Spare When the Only Key Is Lost?
With no spare when the only key is lost, the car does not move until a new key is made. The new key is created from the VIN at the car, the lost key is deleted from the ECU, and the job costs £150 to £400 or more.
How Is a Spare Car Key Made?
A spare car key is made in 3 steps, which are the ownership check, the cutting and the programming. The original is the pattern for the blade, and the new chip or remote is programmed to the car. Proof of ownership is the V5C logbook, the insurance documents or a DVLA record.
Where Is a Spare Car Key Kept?
A spare car key is kept inside the home, away from the front door, or with a trusted relative. Keep a spare car key out of sight of the windows. The guide on where to keep a spare car key safe and accessible lists 6 safe places and 4 to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Having a Spare Car Key
A replacement spare car key costs £80 to £220, and £80 to £180 for most vehicles. A main dealer charges £150 to £350 for a spare.
If a key is lost and no spare exists, a new key is made at the car from the VIN for £150 to £400 or more. Lost car keys with nothing to copy are covered in the guide to lost car keys with no spare.
Yes, a spare car key is worth it, because it costs £80 to £220 and a new key after the only key is lost costs £150 to £400 or more.
Yes, get a spare for a used car with 1 key straight away. The spare is copied from the working key, and the missing key is deleted from the car on request.
A spare car key takes 30 to 60 minutes to make from arrival, on the same day. A main dealer takes 5 to 14 days to order one.
Yes, a duplicate key is the same as a spare key. A duplicate is a copy cut from the working key and programmed to the car, often for a second driver.
Dean answers in plain words
Do I have to bring the car to you?
No. I come to your home, your workplace or the roadside. No towing and no booking in.
How do I get a price?
Call with the make, model and year. The quote is free and you get it before I travel.
Based in Honiton. Working since 2009. Dealer level programming equipment on the van.
Free upfront quote. Available 24 hours a day.