Losing your only car key is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. As a mobile automotive locksmith covering Honiton, Sidmouth, Ottery, Cranbrook and Exeter, the process is straightforward and usually completed in a single visit.
Here’s exactly what happens from start to finish.
- You tell me the car reg and location
This allows me to check key type, security level and whether I can support that vehicle on my programming tools. Most common vehicles can be done same day. - I verify you’re the owner
For security and legal reasons, I’ll need proof that the vehicle belongs to you: usually a driving licence plus V5C or insurance document. - Non-destructive entry to the vehicle
If the car is locked, I use specialist equipment to open it safely without damage. - Cutting the emergency blade
Every car key has a metal blade, even if it’s a modern keyless fob. I cut this using my onboard key-cutting machine so it matches your door and ignition. - Programming the transponder and remote
With diagnostic equipment, I pair the new key to your immobiliser. This allows the car to recognise the chip and start. If it has remote buttons, these are programmed too. - Testing the key
We confirm:
– it locks/unlocks the vehicle
– it turns the ignition (or connects properly for push-start cars)
– the engine starts every time - You drive away with a fully working replacement key
Most lost-key jobs are completed in under an hour once on-site.
Top tip: A spare key is always cheaper than a lost key recovery. Many customers choose to add a second key while I’m already with the vehicle.
