Last updated: May 2026
Cut and programmed at your door — a fraction of the cost of emergency replacement later
Getting a spare key made while you have one working key is the single most cost-effective protection against future car key loss. We cut and programme spare car keys at your home or workplace across Exeter and Devon — no dealer visit, no workshop drop-off. A lost key emergency with no spare can cost two to four times more than a spare made today.
The cost difference between a planned spare key and an emergency lost key replacement is significant — and on premium vehicles it can be substantial. Here is why acting now makes financial sense.
The best time to get a spare key made is immediately when you buy a vehicle, particularly a used car that has come with only one key. The second best time is right now, before the single key you have is lost, damaged or worn.
If you have recently bought a used car with one key, or if you are running your vehicle on a single key and have been meaning to get a spare, this is the job that costs the least to resolve today and the most to leave until something goes wrong.
The type of spare key your vehicle requires depends entirely on its make, model and year. We supply and programme all types found across Devon’s vehicle population.
The most common spare key request across our Devon work is for Ford Fiesta and Focus keys — simple, fast and straightforward. At the other end of the scale, BMW Comfort Access and Mercedes Keyless Go proximity keys involve more complex programming but are entirely within our capability in a single visit.
Used car buyers are our most frequent spare key customers. A car that comes with one key is a liability — and the previous owner rarely held onto the spare without reason. We regularly make spare keys for recently purchased vehicles across Exeter, Honiton and the surrounding area.
If you are unsure what key type your vehicle uses, call us with your registration. We identify it from the DVLA database in seconds.
Unlike emergency callouts, spare key jobs can be planned — which means we can have the right key blank ready before we arrive. Here is what we ask for.
We supply and programme spare keys for all major makes across Exeter and Devon. The Ford Transit van is among the most frequent commercial spare key jobs we do — tradespeople based around Marsh Barton and Exeter’s trading estates often run their business on a single van key without a spare. For cars, the Ford Fiesta and VW Golf are our most common spare key requests, followed by BMW 3 Series and Land Rover Defenders across the rural East Devon population.
Spare key jobs are our most bookable service — planned in advance at a time that suits you. We cover Exeter city centre, all surrounding suburbs including Heavitree, Pinhoe, St Thomas and Topsham, and the wider Devon area including Honiton, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Tiverton and Cullompton. For Somerset, we cover Chard, Yeovil and surrounding towns.
Cost depends on your vehicle make, model and key type. A basic transponder spare for a common car is among the more affordable jobs we do. Proximity and smart keys on premium vehicles cost more. Call with your registration for an exact quote — we identify your key type and give you a precise figure in under a minute. See our pricing guide for general ranges by vehicle category.
Yes — all we need is one working key present. We connect to your vehicle’s OBD diagnostic port, identify the key specification, cut a new blank and programme it into the immobiliser memory. The existing key remains fully active. If you have no working keys at all, see our lost car keys service.
Yes — you need to be present at the vehicle with your driving licence and proof of ownership (V5C or insurance certificate) when we arrive. We cannot carry out programming work without identity verification. You do not need to remain for the full duration — we just need you present at the start.
For most vehicles with one working key present, a spare key takes 45–75 minutes from arrival. This covers key blank identification, cutting and programming. Proximity and smart keys on complex systems take a little longer. We always give a realistic time estimate when you book.
Yes — we programme all major proximity key systems including BMW Comfort Access, Mercedes Keyless Go, Land Rover KESSY and VW Kessy. The proximity function, immobiliser pairing and central locking are all programmed in a single visit. See our key programming service for technical detail on the different systems.
In almost every case yes — significantly cheaper. Main dealer pricing reflects franchise overhead that a mobile independent specialist does not carry. The technical work performed is equivalent. Which? consumer research consistently confirms independent specialists undercut main dealer pricing for key replacement. See our full guide: auto locksmith vs main dealer in Exeter.
Increasingly common, unfortunately — particularly with used cars where the second key has been lost over the vehicle’s life. Driving with one key is a real risk: if that key is lost or damaged, you are in an all-keys-lost situation which is more involved and more expensive to resolve. Getting a spare made immediately after purchase is the most cost-effective protection.
Yes — we regularly make spare keys for recently purchased used cars across Devon. You need to provide proof that you own the vehicle — V5C in your name is ideal. If the V5C has not yet been transferred, a signed purchase receipt plus your insurance certificate is usually sufficient. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
One call, one visit. We come to you at a time that suits. Fixed price confirmed before we start — no surprises.
