Do you need help with lost or broken car keys? Or maybe the car has locked itself with your keys inside? An auto/vehicle locksmith near you can get you back on the road as soon as possible.
If you have an issue with your car, van or motorbike keys that need sorting, keep reading.
How to find the best auto/vehicle locksmiths near you
When you want to find local car locksmiths, we can help.
Search your postcode in the box below. On Checkatrade, you’ll find only auto locksmiths who meet our high standards and pass our checks.
If you’re short on time, request a quote and let our members contact you!
Your questions answered about auto/vehicle locksmiths near you
Can you help if I’m locked outside my vehicle?
A trained auto locksmith near you can help.
This is a specialist job involving specialist equipment so don’t attempt to force your way into your vehicle. You’re likely to cause more costly damage in the long run.
What other automotive key services are available?
As well as replacement keys, professional auto/vehicle locksmiths can provide a number of other key-related services for cars, vans or motorbikes:
Broken or worn car key: An auto locksmith can repair all car keys, from remote key fobs to transponder programming, and fix car key buttons.
Car lock repairs: If you have a broken door lock, a faulty latch or your bonnet lock is damaged, a car locksmith can help fix the fault or fit a new lock.
Retrieval of broken keys from ignitions and locks: Auto/vehicle locksmiths are specially trained to remove these with minimum damage, with key replacement if necessary.
Replace batteries and key housing: This can get your car key working again in no time.
Renew broken transponder chips: More secure than a normal car key, transponder chips allow the car to recognise the key through a unique code.
How much does an auto locksmith cost UK?
For an accurate quote, you will need to get some quotes from your local vehicle locksmiths.
Replacing a car key is one of the most common jobs for an auto locksmith. Costs vary quite a bit, starting around £160 + VAT up to a staggering £8,000 + VAT for a Bentley Diamond key.
The price you will pay to replace your car keys will depend on your situation and where you choose to purchase your new keys.
Other factors affecting car key replacement costs include:
- Make of vehicle: Every car manufacturer uses different types of car key and security measures
- Model of vehicle: Different models in the same range might even impact price
- Type of car key: Remote keys, transponder chips, flip keys and keyless entry all come with different price tags
- Extra features: Options such as remote locking and car alarm activation will increase costs
- Location: Price for a replacement key will vary depending on where you live. London companies will charge more than others
- Where you go for a replacement: Auto locksmiths, dealerships and car key replacement companies each set their own costs
- Time of day: Out of hours services cost more than if you can wait until the next working day
Check out our car key replacement cost guide for a more comprehensive look at prices.
How much should I pay to unlock my car?
This will depend on the situation, where you live and what sort of car you have. Prices differ depending on whether you need to program a car fob or get hold of a replacement set of keys.
Nowadays, it is very common for car keys to have remote controls, making them more expensive to replace than the previous non-remote car keys. The average remote car key replacement cost is around £320.
If you need a locksmith to program a car key, costs depend on the make, model, year of your vehicle and the process required.
How do I make sure I hire an experienced auto/vehicle locksmith near me?
A great place to start is by searching a professional trade directory and website.
At Checkatrade, for example, all our members have a business profile, which helps you easily find the best auto/vehicle locksmiths near you.
On each of our members’ profiles, you can find:
- A car locksmith’s details
- Qualifications and accreditations
- Areas of expertise
- Customer reviews
- Pictures of past work (before and after shots)
To become a Checkatrade member, all tradespeople must pass our checks and meet our high standards.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find tradespeople who have passed up to 12 checks.
The importance of online reviews and reputation
Reading a company’s online reviews is a brilliant way to see the quality of a tradesperson’s reputation.
At Checkatrade, we only show real verified reviews from actual customers. We check reviews to make sure the trades on Checkatrade meet our high standards and remove any who don’t.
Another great way to verify a trader’s reputation is by asking for personal recommendations.
Talk to your friends and family to see if they have any experience with auto/vehicle locksmiths near you. Once you’ve had a recommendation, you can see if they’re part of Checkatrade.
If they have a Checkatrade business profile, you’ve found a recommended and Checkatrade-approved automotive locksmith near you.
To find the best auto locksmiths near you, enter your postcode below and click search.