Broken, worn, damaged or faulty car key? AJ Auto Access supplies, cuts and programs a replacement car key at your vehicle, so there is no tow to the dealer and no waiting days for a key to arrive.
Faulty fob replaced with two new keys, programmed at the carReal job
Replacement car keys
Replacement Car Keys Made at Your Vehicle
A car key replacement is a brand-new key that is cut to your locks and programmed to your car's immobiliser, so it starts the engine and works the central locking exactly like the original. Alex from AJ Auto Access carries out the whole job at your home, workplace or roadside across Nottingham, Derby and Long Eaton.
Most drivers need a replacement because their key has snapped, the blade has worn, the remote has stopped locking the doors, or the key has been through the washing machine. Modern keys contain a transponder chip, and many have a remote or keyless function, so a replacement must be coded to the car using diagnostic equipment. A copy cut at a high street kiosk will usually open the door but will not start the engine.
Alex uses professional key programming tools that connect through the OBD port, the same method a main dealer uses. The difference is speed and convenience. Most replacement keys are cut, programmed and tested in a single visit, and every key comes with a 1-year warranty.
At a glance
Fully mobileDone at your vehicle, no tow truck needed
Usually one visitMost keys cut and coded within an hour on site
Dealer-level programmingAutel, Keytool Plus, Keytool Max and Lonsdor
All key typesTransponder, remote, flip and keyless smart keys
1-year warrantyOn every replacement key
Common reasons
When You Need a Replacement Car Key
These are the situations Alex sees most often across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Broken or Snapped Key
Flip key blades and key heads crack with age. Alex replaces the key and codes it, rather than gluing a key that will fail again.
Worn Blade That Will Not Turn
A worn blade can stick in the door or ignition. A freshly cut key restores a clean fit and protects the lock from further wear.
Remote or Fob Not Working
If a new battery has not fixed it, the remote board or chip may have failed. A replacement fob is supplied and programmed on the spot.
Water or Impact Damage
Keys that have been dropped, crushed or washed often stop working. The damaged key can be removed from the car so it cannot be used again.
Down to One Working Key
If one of your two keys has failed, replace it now while you still have a working key. It is quicker and costs less than starting from nothing.
Keys Lost or Stolen
If there is no working key left at all, this is an all keys lost job, covered in detail on the lost car keys page.
Key types
Types of Car Key We Replace
From a simple cut key to the latest keyless systems, the right key is supplied and set up for your exact make and model.
Standard Cut Keys
Older vehicles and some vans use a plain metal key with no chip. These are cut to match your locks and ignition.
Transponder Chip Keys
A small chip in the key head talks to the immobiliser. Without the correct code the engine will not start, so the chip is programmed to your car.
Remote Flip Keys
A folding blade combined with lock and unlock buttons. Both the blade and the remote are replaced and paired to the vehicle.
Remote Key Fobs
Separate or combined fobs that operate the central locking and boot. A replacement fob is coded so every button works.
Keyless and Smart Keys
Proximity keys that let you unlock and start the car without taking the key out. These need specialist programming equipment.
Van Keys
Replacement keys for light commercial vans such as the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro and Volkswagen Transporter.
Every car is different, so you get a fixed quote before any work starts. The price mainly depends on these points.
Make, model and year of the vehicle and its security system.
Type of key, from a basic transponder key to a keyless smart key.
Whether a working key exists. Adding a key is simpler than an all keys lost job.
Genuine or quality aftermarket key, both of which Alex can supply for many cars.
Car key replacement guide
Everything to Know About Replacing a Car Key
A replacement key has to match three things on your car: the locks, the immobiliser and the central locking. This guide explains each part so you know what you are paying for.
How a Modern Car Key Works
A modern car key is really three parts in one. The metal blade turns the door lock and, on older cars, the ignition. The transponder chip in the key head sends a coded signal to the immobiliser, which allows the engine to start. The remote circuit board sends a separate radio signal to lock and unlock the doors.
A replacement key only works properly when all three are right. That is why a car key replacement involves cutting, chip programming and remote pairing, rather than a simple copy.
Genuine or Aftermarket Replacement Keys
For many vehicles, Alex can supply either a genuine style key or a quality aftermarket key. Both are cut to your locks and programmed to your car in exactly the same way. The difference is usually the price, the finish of the casing and, on some models, the badge.
Alex will explain the options for your make and model before any work starts, so you can choose the key that suits your budget.
Signs Your Car Key Is Failing
Most keys give a warning before they stop working. The remote range drops, a button needs pressing several times, the flip blade will not lock open, or the key needs wiggling before it turns. An immobiliser light that stays on while the engine cranks is another sign that the chip is not being read.
Replacing a failing key while it still works is usually quicker and costs less than waiting until it fails completely.
Replacing a Key on a Used Car
If you have just bought a used car, you may not know how many keys were ever programmed to it. A lost key from a previous owner could still be able to start the engine. When Alex replaces or adds a key, the car can be checked and any keys that are not in your possession can be removed from the immobiliser.
What Happens to Your Old Key
If the old key is damaged but still in your hand, it can stay programmed as a backup or be removed, whichever you prefer. If it was lost or stolen, it should always be removed, so that only the keys you hold can start the car. Alex will talk this through before he finishes the job.
Checking Your Insurance for Key Cover
Some car insurance policies and breakdown memberships include key cover, which can pay towards a replacement key. It is worth checking your policy documents before you book. Alex can provide a clear invoice for the work so you can make a claim if your policy allows it.
Replacement keys for popular makes
Alex replaces keys for most of the cars and vans seen on the roads around Nottingham and Derby, from small hatchbacks to family SUVs and work vans. Popular makes include:
Ford
Vauxhall
Volkswagen
Toyota
Nissan
Peugeot
Citroen
Renault
Kia
Hyundai
Skoda
Seat
Honda
Mazda
Fiat
Volvo
Mini
Suzuki
Ford Transit
Ford Transit Custom
Vauxhall Vivaro
Volkswagen Transporter
Citroen Berlingo
Peugeot Partner
Renault Trafic
Nissan NV200
Coverage depends on the exact model and year. Send your registration and Alex will confirm before booking.
Compare
Replacement Car Key From a Locksmith or a Dealer?
For most cars, a mobile auto locksmith can supply the same kind of replacement key as a dealer, without the recovery charge or the wait.
Some very new models have key systems that only the manufacturer can program. If that applies to your car, Alex will tell you before booking so you do not waste a call-out.
AJ Auto Access
Main dealer
Where the key is made
At your vehicle
At the dealership
Getting the car there
Not needed
Tow or recovery if the key does not work
Waiting time
Usually a single visit
Keys often ordered in, which can take days
Programming
Dealer-level diagnostic tools
Manufacturer tools
Faulty key removed
Yes, on request
Yes
Warranty
1 year on keys and work
Varies by dealer
Real work
Recent Replacement Key Jobs
Every photo is from a real AJ Auto Access job, taken at the customer's vehicle.
Volkswagen Key and IgnitionA common VW fault. The ignition was replaced and a new key supplied, with the central locking working again.
Ford Kuga Smart KeyA universal smart key was cut and programmed for a 2009 Ford Kuga in Nottingham.
Volvo XC60 KeyA new key cut and programmed for a Volvo XC60 at the customer's vehicle.
The price depends on the make, model and year of the car, the type of key and whether a working key is still available. Alex gives you a clear, fixed quote before any work starts, with no hidden extras.
Can you replace a car key without the original?
Yes. If no working key is left, Alex can still make and program a new key for most vehicles. This is known as an all keys lost job and takes a little longer.
How long does it take to replace a car key?
Most replacement keys are cut, programmed and tested within an hour once Alex is at the vehicle. Some keyless systems take longer.
Do I need to go to the main dealer for a new key?
Usually not. Alex uses dealer-level programming equipment at your vehicle, so there is no recovery charge and no wait for a key to be ordered. For a small number of very new models, a dealer may still be needed, and Alex will tell you before booking.
Will my old or broken key still work?
If your old key is lost, stolen or damaged, it can be removed from the car so it can no longer start the engine. Keys you still have can stay programmed.
What documents do I need?
You will need proof of ownership, such as the V5C logbook or a finance agreement, plus photo ID. This protects you and stops keys being made for the wrong person.
Do you replace van keys?
Yes. Alex replaces and programs keys for light commercial vans as well as cars.
Is a replacement key guaranteed?
Yes. Every replacement key and repair comes with a 1-year warranty.
Can a car key be replaced on the same day?
In many cases, yes. Alex carries a range of keys and blanks, so most common vehicles can have a replacement key cut and programmed on the same visit. If a specific key has to be ordered, he will tell you when you call.
Is a replacement key the same as the original?
It works the same way. The blade is cut to your locks, the chip is programmed to the immobiliser and the remote is paired, so it starts the car and operates the central locking just like the original.
Can you replace a key for a keyless car?
Yes, for many makes and models. Keyless and proximity keys are programmed with specialist equipment at your vehicle.
Can you replace just the case of my key?
If the electronics still work and only the casing or flip blade is broken, a new case can sometimes be fitted. Alex will check the key and tell you whether a new case or a full replacement is the better option.
