A spare key often feels unnecessary… until the day you lose your only one. The truth is, a second key is one of the cheapest and smartest decisions you can make as a car owner.
Here’s why.
- A spare is far cheaper than an “all keys lost” job
A typical spare key costs from £70–£150 depending on the vehicle.
A lost-key recovery can easily be £180–£300+ because it takes longer and involves programming from scratch. - Lost keys usually mean your car is locked
If you’ve lost your only key, the locksmith must first gain entry (non-destructively), then decode the lock, cut a new blade, and programme a fresh transponder.
A spare key avoids all of this. - Dealers often charge double for lost keys
Main dealers usually insist on:
– towing the vehicle
– booking it in
– waiting days for a key to arrive
Locksmiths can do it same day, but even then it’s still much more work than cutting a simple spare. - A spare key protects you from emergencies
If your child locks the keys inside
If the battery dies on your fob
If you drop your keys in water
If your only key snaps
…a spare saves stress, money and time.
- Newer cars often need two keys to resell
Buyers expect two keys. Having only one can reduce resale value and put people off. - If I’m already with you, a second key is discounted
It’s cheaper to add a spare while I’m on-site for another job, because the car is already connected to the system and ready for programming.
Bottom line:
A spare key isn’t a luxury, it’s a safety net. It protects your wallet, your time and your peace of mind.
