Most Requested
Lost Car KeysReplacement on site — all makes
Spare Car KeysCut & programmed at your location
Vehicle EntryNon-destructive lockout service
⚡ 24 Hour EmergencyAny time — speak to a technician
All Services
Key Programming
Transponder Keys
Broken Key Extraction
Immobiliser Diagnostics
Key Fob Repairs
Exeter Airport
City Centre Lockout
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Exeter City & Centre
📍 Exeter — All Areas
St Thomas
Heavitree
Pinhoe
Topsham
Exwick
Exeter Districts
Marsh Barton
Sowton
Wonford
Alphington
Cranbrook
Whipton
St David's
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✓ IMI Qualified
✓ 24/7 Service
✓ Fixed Price
✓ All Makes
About Exeter Auto Keys
Owner-operated mobile auto locksmith covering all of Exeter. Every job involves vehicles — car keys, programming, lockouts. Nothing else. Available 24/7.
Who We Are
Exeter Auto Keys
Exeter Auto Keys was built around one straightforward idea: vehicle locksmith work in Exeter needed to be done properly, by someone who actually knew what they were doing, at a price that did not leave the customer feeling like they had been taken advantage of. Every job involves vehicles only. No house locks, no commercial premises — automotive work is all we do.
The business is owner-operated, covering all of Exeter and its 40 neighbourhoods. Every job is handled personally. No subcontractors, no call centres, no booking systems — when you call 01392 925673, you speak directly to the technician who will attend your vehicle.
Working on vehicles across Exeter every day, we have built practical knowledge that cannot be taught in a classroom — which BMW key systems need EEPROM access, which older Fords need a specific PATS sequence, how MQB platform VWs behave differently from pre-MQB models. That knowledge is what makes the difference on the more difficult jobs.
IMI QualifiedMaster Locksmiths Assoc.Fully MobileOwner Operated
Simple Process
How It Works — Four Steps
1
Call or message us
Tell us your vehicle make, model, year and exact location. We give you an honest price and an honest time estimate before anyone moves. Call 01392 925673 or use our contact form.
2
We confirm and travel
We confirm the price, prepare the right key blank and programming equipment for your specific vehicle, and travel directly to you. No workshop visit, no recovery truck.
3
We diagnose on site
On arrival we carry out a diagnostic check to confirm exactly what the vehicle needs. This takes 5–10 minutes and ensures the right programming method is used first time.
4
Job completed on site
We cut, programme and test the key. Most jobs are complete within 60–90 minutes of arrival. You get a receipt, a working key and a plain explanation of what was done.
Qualifications & Standards
Properly Trained.
Properly Equipped.
Our technicians hold IMI qualifications — the Institute of the Motor Industry is the recognised professional body for automotive technical competence in the UK. We invest in ongoing training because modern vehicle security systems evolve quickly.
We operate to the standards expected by the Master Locksmiths Association — the professional body for the UK locksmith industry. In a largely unregulated trade, professional standards matter.
We carry specialist equipment for the systems that catch out less experienced technicians — BMW CAS/FEM/BDC, Mercedes ESL/EIS, VW/Audi MQB platform, Ford PATS all generations and EEPROM reading and writing capability for all-keys-lost situations on high-security vehicles.
Systems We Handle
✓BMW EWS · CAS (all versions) · FEM/BDC
✓Mercedes ESL/EIS · Keyless Go
✓VW/Audi MQB · ID48 · ID49
✓Ford PATS all generations
✓Land Rover KESSY · Defender all gen
✓EEPROM read/write · All-keys-lost
✓Ignition barrel & switch diagnosis
✓Immobiliser & ECU sync
Equipment investment is ongoing — we update our diagnostic tools and key programming systems regularly because staying current is not optional when you work on modern vehicles.
Our Services
What We Do — Full Service Range
Every job involves vehicles. We do not cover house locks or commercial premises — automotive work is all we do. That focus means better equipment and sharper knowledge.
01
Lost Car Keys
Replacement on site for all makes and models, even with no working keys remaining.
Learn more →
02
Spare Car Keys
Cut and programmed at your home or workplace. Best protection against future emergencies.
Learn more →
03
Key Programming
OBD and EEPROM programming — all systems including BMW CAS, Mercedes ESL and VW MQB.
Learn more →
04
Vehicle Entry
Locked out? Non-destructive entry — no damage to door, lock or window. All vehicles.
Learn more →
05
Broken Key Removal
Snapped in ignition or door lock — extracted cleanly, replacement cut same visit.
Learn more →
06
Transponder Keys
Chip key programming for all systems. Car cranks but will not start? Call us first.
Learn more →
07
Immobiliser Diagnostics
ECU, EEPROM and immobiliser system faults — full diagnostic and resolution on site.
Learn more →
08
24 Hour Emergency
Any time, any day — you speak directly to a technician. No call centre, ever.
Learn more →
09
Key Fob Repairs
Battery, circuit, button and resync faults — repair before replacement where possible.
Learn more →
Where We Work
Our Service Area — Exeter
Exeter city and its 40 neighbourhoods — from the city centre to Cranbrook in the east, Pinhoe to Topsham in the south, Marsh Barton and St Thomas in the west, Whipton and Beacon Heath in the north. Every Exeter postcode is covered.
We cover all of Exeter — every neighbourhood, every district, every postcode. Response time to any Exeter location is typically 30–45 minutes. We confirm your specific area and give an honest arrival estimate on the call.
Why Choose Us
Why Exeter Auto Keys?
01
Cheaper than a main dealer
Main dealers price key replacement at a premium that bears no relation to the actual cost of the work. On a BMW or Range Rover the difference can be £200–£400 or more. Our pricing is confirmed before we start — no surprises.
02
EEPROM and advanced programming
When standard OBD access is blocked — common on newer high-security vehicles — EEPROM programming is the only route. We carry the equipment and have the experience to use it correctly on site.
03
IMI qualified technician
IMI qualification from the Institute of the Motor Industry is the recognised standard for automotive technical competence in the UK. We invest in ongoing training because the technology moves quickly.
04
Genuinely local — fast response
Based in Exeter, covering all 40 city neighbourhoods. Emergency callouts typically within 45–60 minutes. We know the roads, we know the area.
05
One contact — no call centres
You speak directly to the technician. Straight answer about what can be done, how quickly and what it costs. No scripts, no holding queue, no 'I'll pass this to our team.'
06
Honest — even if it costs us a job
If your vehicle needs something we cannot do, we tell you. We would rather lose one job and keep your trust than overpromise and underdeliver. That is how we build a reputation worth having.
All Makes Covered
Every Major Vehicle Brand
We carry diagnostic equipment for every major make sold in the UK — from everyday hatchbacks to premium and specialist vehicles.
Ford
PATS all gen · Transit · Fiesta · HU101
BMW
EWS · CAS · FEM/BDC · Comfort Access
Mercedes
ESL/EIS · Sprinter · Keyless Go
Volkswagen
MQB · ID48/ID49 · Transporter
Land Rover
Defender · Discovery · Range Rover KESSY
Audi
Advanced key · A3/Q5/Q7 · VCDS
Toyota
Prius smart key · Hilux · Land Cruiser
Vauxhall
Astra · Corsa · Vivaro van
Customer Reviews
What Customers Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Called at 8pm after losing my keys at the supermarket. Technician with me in under an hour, new key working in about 45 minutes. Much cheaper than the dealer."
Exeter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Lost both VW Golf keys in a car park in Exeter. Called in the evening and the technician came out the same night. Straightforward, fair price, everything working within the hour." — Mark T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Topsham, Exeter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Snapped key in my Transit ignition at Marsh Barton. Arrived quickly, removed the broken key without damage, cut a replacement on the spot. Exactly what you need."
Marsh Barton, Exeter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Spare BMW key — so much cheaper than the dealer. Came to my house, took about an hour. Will definitely use again and already recommended to two colleagues."
St Thomas, Exeter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Brilliant service. Called about my BMW key not being recognised after a flat battery. Technician arrived quickly, diagnosed the CAS sync issue on site and had me back on the road in under an hour. Very knowledgeable — knew exactly what the problem was straight away." — Chris B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pinhoe, Exeter
Questions About Exeter Auto Keys
Are you genuinely local to Exeter?
For most Exeter locations we aim to be with you within 30–45 minutes of your call. For outer Exeter areas such as Cranbrook, Kennford or Whimple, allow 35–50 minutes. We confirm an accurate arrival estimate on the call and update you if anything changes.
What qualifications do you hold?
Our technicians hold IMI qualifications — the Institute of the Motor Industry is the recognised professional body for automotive technical competence in the UK. We also operate to the standards of the Master Locksmiths Association.
How much does car key replacement cost?
It depends on your vehicle make, model and key type. We always confirm the exact cost over the phone before travelling. See our pricing guide for indicative ranges or call with your registration number for a precise quote.
Can you programme a key for any vehicle?
We cover the vast majority of UK vehicles. Call us with your registration and we will confirm immediately whether we can help and what it will cost. For very new or unusual vehicles we will be honest if a dealer visit is required.
How quickly can you reach me?
For most Exeter locations we aim to be with you within 30–45 minutes of your call. For outer Exeter areas such as Cranbrook, Kennford or Whimple, allow 35–50 minutes. We confirm an accurate arrival estimate on the call and update you if anything changes.
Do you work on all car brands?
Yes — we work on all major brands sold in the UK. Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, VW, Audi, Toyota, Vauxhall, Nissan, Renault and many more. See our brands page for detail on the specific key systems we handle for each.
Is an independent auto locksmith cheaper than a main dealer?
In almost every case, yes — typically 30–50% less for equivalent work. The same key programmed to the same standard, at a fraction of the dealer price, with the added convenience of us coming to you the same day.
Do you cover commercial vehicles and vans?
Yes — commercial vehicle work makes up a significant part of what we do. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro and all other major commercial vans. We understand that a van off the road costs money.
Lost Your Keys Right Now?
Locked Out of Your Vehicle?
Call us directly — we answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Emergency callouts across Exeter typically within 30–45 minutes.
01392 925673Ready to Help — Call or Get In Touch
Whether you need emergency help right now or want to book a spare key at a convenient time, getting in touch is straightforward. Call us on 01392 925673 — available 24 hours — or use our contact form for non-urgent enquiries.
Before calling, see our pricing guide so you have a rough idea of costs. Or read our guides on what to do when you lose your car keys and how transponder keys work.