Cut & Programmed at Your Car
Key Maker
Near Me
Searching "key maker near me" or "duplicate car keys near me"? We're not a high-street key-cutting kiosk — we're a mobile auto locksmith who cuts and programmes car keys at your car. Basic duplicates, remote fobs, proximity smart keys — all done roadside. No dealership, no waiting room, no three-day lead time.
What Kind of Key Are You Having Made?
Four common scenarios. Every one starts with a phone call and finishes at your car.
Duplicate a working key
Got one key and want a spare? We duplicate it in 30–45 min at your car. Clone the transponder, cut a new blade, pair the remote. Much cheaper than an all-keys-lost job.
Key from VIN
No key at all? We can cut a new key from the VIN for most makes. The car must be present for programming through the OBD port so the immobiliser accepts the new key.
Programme a key you bought
Bought a blank fob online and need it paired? We programme it to the car. As long as the chip type is right, we can read the immobiliser and add your key.
Delete lost keys
Lost a key and want to make sure it can't be used? When we cut and programme a new key, we also delete the old one from the immobiliser memory. Standard on every all-keys-lost job.
Duplicate Car Key Prices
Duplicating a key you have is cheaper than making one from scratch. Call with your reg for an exact quote.
| Key Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic metal key | Pre-2005 car, no remote buttons. Cut from your working key or VIN. | £55 – £85 |
| Transponder key | Plastic-head key with immobiliser chip. Cloned from your existing working key. | £75 – £120 |
| Remote fob duplicate | Standard 2/3-button remote fob. Cut, cloned, and buttons paired. | £85 – £175 |
| Smart key duplicate | Push-to-start proximity key. Needs online component protection authorisation for some makes. | £150 – £300 |
| All-keys-lost | No working key at all. Immobiliser read through OBD port, new key generated from scratch. | £120 – £350 |
All prices include call-out, labour, cutting, programming, and VAT. Fixed quote over the phone — no surprises.
High-Street Key Cutting vs. Auto Locksmith
If you've tried a key-cutting shop and they told you "we can't do car keys", here's why.
| High-Street Key Cutter | Us (Auto Locksmith) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts metal car keys | Sometimes — basic keys only | Yes — all key types |
| Programmes transponder chips | No | Yes — all makes |
| Pairs remote fobs | No | Yes |
| Programmes smart proximity keys | No | Yes |
| Cuts keys from VIN (no key present) | No | Yes |
| Makes keys when all keys are lost | No | Yes — our most common job |
| Comes to your car | No — you go to the shop | Yes — we drive to you |
| Deletes lost keys from immobiliser | No | Yes — standard on every job |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a key maker cut car keys, or do I need a dealer?
A general key-cutting shop on the high street can copy a simple metal car key (no electronics). But most modern car keys have a transponder chip inside that needs to be programmed to the car's immobiliser — and a Timpson's or shoe-repair place with a key-cutting machine can't do that. An auto locksmith can cut the blade AND programme the chip. That's the difference, and that's what we do.
Can you duplicate my car key?
Yes. If you have one working key, we can duplicate it — cut a new blade, clone or programme a new transponder chip, and pair the remote buttons. Takes about 30–45 minutes at your car. Much cheaper than waiting until you lose the only one and need an all-keys-lost job.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate car key made?
Basic non-remote key: £55–£85. Remote fob: £85–£175 (depends on make). Smart proximity key: £150–£300. Duplicating a key you already have is cheaper than making one from scratch after you've lost all your keys — because the car can 'see' a working key and doesn't need a full immobiliser read.
How long does it take to make a car key?
Spare key with one working key present: 30–45 minutes. All-keys-lost (making a key from scratch through the OBD port): 45–90 minutes. Key programming only (you supply the blank): 15–30 minutes. We'll give you a time estimate when you call.
Do you do key cutting for house keys or padlocks too?
No — we're an auto locksmith. We do car keys, van keys, and vehicle locks exclusively. House keys and padlocks: any high-street key-cutting shop can do those for a few pounds. Car keys: that's what we do all day.
Can you cut a key from the VIN number?
Yes — for cars where the key code is stored against the VIN on the manufacturer's database (most Fords, Vauxhalls, Toyotas, and many others), we can cut a new key from the VIN alone. For some makes (BMW, Mercedes, Audi), we need the car present because the security requires a direct OBD connection to programme the key.
Need a Car Key Made?
Call with your reg — we'll tell you what type of key you have, what a duplicate costs, and how soon we can be there.
Call 01723 817140