All-Keys-Lost Specialists
No Original Key? No Problem.
We Make Keys From the Car Itself
If you've bought a car with only one key — or lost the only key entirely — you don't have to go to a dealer. An auto locksmith can make a brand-new key by reading the car's own immobiliser and cutting a fresh blade to match the ignition. Here's how it works, in plain English.
Call 01723 817140 for a QuoteIf you have no spare key at all, get one made today.
We get called out to more all-keys-lost jobs than we can count — and every single customer says the same thing: "I wish I'd got a spare made while I still had one." A spare key costs significantly less than an all-keys-lost call-out. If you're reading this and you've got one working key, call us to make a spare — it'll save you money, time, and stress.
How We Make a Key From the Car
Every car is different, but the process always starts and ends at your car. We bring the workshop to you.
EEPROM / MCU Read
For cars where the immobiliser data can't be read through the OBD port (some Fords, older Vauxhalls, certain Mercedes), we read the data directly from the immobiliser chip on the dashboard circuit board. This involves removing the instrument cluster or body control module — it sounds dramatic but it's a routine procedure, done carefully in the van. Takes about an hour.
OBD Port Programming
The most common method. We plug into the car's diagnostic port, read the immobiliser data, generate a new key profile, and programme the new transponder. The old keys — if any — are deleted from the car's memory so they can no longer start the engine. Works on most cars from 2005 onwards.
Mechanical Decode & Cut
For the physical key blade, we decode the ignition or door lock by reading the wafers or pins. This gives us the key code, which feeds into the van's cutting machine. The blade is cut on site, tested in the lock, and adjusted if needed. No pre-existing key needed — the lock itself tells us what shape to cut.
Common Scenarios — and What We Do
"I bought a car from a private seller and it came with one key"
Extremely common. We can copy the one key you have (cheaper) or programme a second key from scratch (if you're worried about the original being cloned). Come to us first — don't wait until the one key is lost.
"I lost my only key and have no spare"
The all-keys-lost scenario. We drive to the car, read the immobiliser, generate a new key, cut the blade, and programme everything on site. The old key is deleted from the car's memory. 45–90 minutes from arrival.
"The dealer says the key has to come from Germany"
The dealer orders keys by VIN — that's their only workflow. We can make the key from the physical car, which is faster, cheaper, and doesn't involve waiting for a parcel from Wolfsburg. BMW, Mercedes, VW, Audi — all the same outcome, done today.
"I inherited a car but no-one can find the keys"
Common with probate or family handovers. We treat it like all-keys-lost — drive to the car, read the immobiliser, make two keys from scratch. The car doesn't need to be running; it just needs a battery to power the OBD port.
"I've got a key that starts the car but doesn't unlock the door"
This usually means the key in your hand is a clone (copy of a copy) and the physical blade wasn't cut correctly — or the door lock has been changed but the ignition hasn't. We can cut a fresh blade to match the actual lock and programme a clean transponder that isn't a degraded clone.
Frequently Asked Questions
No Keys? We Can Help.
All-keys-lost is what we do best. We'll come to your car, make a brand-new key from scratch, and have you back on the road the same day.
Call 01723 817140All makes & models · Same day · No dealer needed