Why You Should Have a Spare Car Key

The main reason is simple: you have another way of using your vehicle if something happens to your everyday key.

Car keys can be lost, damaged, stolen or accidentally locked inside a vehicle. Remote controls and smart keys can also develop faults.

Having a spare available means you may be able to carry on using the vehicle while arranging a repair or replacement for the original.

It's particularly worth considering if your vehicle was supplied with two keys originally but you now only have one.

Generally, having a spare made while you still have a working key is a sensible precaution.

If your last working key is lost, the job becomes an all keys lost situation — our lost car keys guide explains what to do in that position.

Depending on the vehicle, replacing a key when no working keys remain may involve additional work compared with supplying an extra key while you still have one available.

Having a spare made in advance can also avoid being stranded and needing an urgent replacement.

In many cases, yes.

Auto locksmiths specialise in vehicle keys, locks and security systems and can often cut and programme additional keys for a wide range of vehicles.

Depending on the vehicle, this could include:

• Traditional vehicle keys
• Transponder keys
• Remote-control keys
• Proximity keys
• Smart keys
• Keyless-entry keys

The exact options available will depend on the make, model, age and security system fitted to your vehicle.

Many modern car keys do.

A modern vehicle key may contain a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobiliser system. Remote and smart keys can contain additional electronics that also need to be correctly programmed or matched to the vehicle.

Simply cutting the physical key blade may therefore not be enough.

A professional auto locksmith can identify the type of key required and advise what needs to be programmed for your particular vehicle.

Not always.

Depending on the vehicle, there may be different replacement-key options available.

For example, some vehicles may allow a simpler key to be supplied as an emergency spare, while others require a particular remote or smart key.

The available options depend on the vehicle and its security system.

If you're mainly looking for an emergency backup, explain this when requesting a quotation so the locksmith can advise you of the suitable options available.

For many vehicles, yes.

Main dealers can supply replacement and additional vehicle keys, but they aren't always the only option.

A mobile auto locksmith can often supply, cut and programme a spare key at your home, workplace or another suitable location.

Many ALA members provide mobile services and work with a wide range of vehicle makes and key systems.

There isn't one standard price.

The cost of a spare key depends on factors including:

• Vehicle make and model
• Age of the vehicle
• Type of key
• Remote or smart-key technology
• Parts required
• Programming requirements

A basic transponder key can be very different from a modern proximity or smart key.

When requesting a quotation, providing your vehicle registration will help the locksmith identify the likely key and programming requirements.

It can be.

Producing an additional key while you still have a working key may be more straightforward on some vehicles than dealing with an all-keys-lost situation.

More importantly, having a spare can prevent the inconvenience of being stranded without access to your vehicle.

The difference varies considerably between vehicles, so there isn't a universal saving that applies to every make and model.

Keep your spare somewhere secure and separate from your everyday key.

There's little benefit in keeping both keys together, as they could then be lost or stolen at the same time.

Avoid leaving a spare key inside the vehicle.

You should also consider who may need access to the spare in an emergency, particularly if the vehicle is used for work or by more than one member of a household.

If your current key is showing signs of wear or developing intermittent faults, don't necessarily wait for it to stop working completely.

Problems can include worn buttons, damaged cases, worn key blades and electronic faults.

An auto locksmith may be able to advise whether the existing key can be repaired or whether an additional or replacement key would be more appropriate.

Having another working key available before your existing key fails completely can avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

It's worth considering.

Used vehicles are often sold with only one key, even if they originally came with two.

Having an additional key made gives you a backup if the supplied key is lost or damaged.

If you have concerns about missing keys from a recently purchased vehicle, ask a professional auto locksmith what security options are available for your particular make and model.

Modern vehicle keys can involve immobilisers, transponders, remote electronics and keyless systems, so choosing someone with appropriate automotive locksmith experience is important.

The Auto Locksmith Association (ALA) promotes professionalism, training and high standards within the automotive locksmith industry.

ALA members are vetted through references, background checks and practical assessments, and members continue to invest in training and specialist equipment as vehicle security technology develops.

Individual members' capabilities vary, so provide your vehicle details when contacting an ALA member to confirm they can supply the key you require. Our frequently asked questions cover more about how the association works.

If you only have one working vehicle key, you don't need to wait until it's lost before doing something about it.

Use the Auto Locksmith Association member directory to find an experienced auto locksmith covering your area and ask about having a spare key supplied for your vehicle.