Car keys for your make and model.
Make, model and year dictate the transponder and key system. Tell us your registration and we'll confirm the right key and programming method.
7 years of automotive expertise450+ reviews · Google & Checkatrade12-month warranty
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Same Car Underneath, Different Badge
Car makers share far more than most drivers realise, and the badge on the bonnet doesn't always tell you which key system is inside. Vauxhalls built from around 2018 are Peugeots underneath, and many older Chevrolets were Vauxhalls under another name. The first Citroën C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo came off the same line and share one key system. A Mini is a BMW as far as its security goes, older Dacias are simpler Renaults, and older Jaguars share a lot with Ford.
The big groups do the same. Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT share a platform from about 2013, while newer Audis share theirs with Porsche and Bentley. Most Japanese brands even use push-start buttons made by Mitsubishi. Knowing these family links is how we identify the right key quickly from a registration.
Why the year matters
The Cut-Off Years That Decide The Job
Within one make, the year and whether a working key remains can change the job. We cover all BMW G-series and can add VAG 5C and 5D spare keys while a working key is available; all-keys-lost eligibility is a separate check. Mercedes cars, Vito and Viano have a mid-2013 key-replacement limit, while Sprinter coverage reaches the 2018 changeover. Many newer vehicles also carry a security gateway that adds an extra step.
That's why our make pages each explain their own rules. We work across Hampshire, East Dorset and South Wiltshire, and your registration settles which rules apply before we travel.
Make, model and year
Your car decides the key.
Two cars of the same make can need completely different keys. The model and year decide the blade profile, the transponder chip and the immobiliser system the key must be coded to.
That's why we ask for your registration first: it tells us the exact key, whether programming runs through the OBD port or a bench read, and what we need to bring.
Key types
Three kinds of key. Three different jobs.
Bladed turn key
A cut blade with a transponder chip in the head. The blade turns the lock; the chip tells the immobiliser the key belongs to the car.
Flip and remote fob
A folding or fixed blade with remote locking. Cutting, transponder programming and remote pairing are separate steps.
Smart proximity key
Keyless entry and push-button start. The key is detected by antennas in the car and must be coded to the vehicle's modules.
Our expertise
Services for every make.
01
Lost Car Key Replacement
Every key lost? We cut and programme a new one at your car — no tow, no dealer.
Explore service02
Spare Car Keys
A spare key cut and programmed at your car, before you ever need it.
Explore service03
Locked Keys in Car
Keys locked inside? Damage-free entry wherever the car is parked.
Explore service04
Car Key Programming
Transponders, remotes and smart keys coded to your car on site.
Explore service05
Ignition Repair & Replacement
Stiff, jammed or broken ignition barrels repaired or replaced at the roadside.
Explore service06
Broken Car Keys
Snapped blades extracted, broken cases and dead buttons fixed — same visit.
Explore serviceWhat customers say
450+ five-star / 10-out-of-10 reviews across Google and Checkatrade
Transit Custom Ignition Repair.
"I cannot recommend Alec enough. My transit custom lock was not turning. I did not know Alec at this point and called another locksmith. To cut a long story short the other locksmith attempted a repair and then gave up, leaving me with a van I could no longer use. I called Alec who came out next day; he repaired the damage done by the other locksmith and custom made a replacement ignition barrel so one key still does the doors and the new ignition. I couldn't be more pleased. Price was very fair too!"
Sam chapman
"Did the work at a 3rd of the price of the dealership and I'm sure to a higher quality, the work was quick and professional. Could not recommend more!"
Can work on most cars! Pricing is very reasonable! Fast reliable service!
"Absolutely spot on! After ringing about 15 different companies who said they couldn't help and one company even saying the series of my car doesn't exist I found smarttech who I contacted who could finally help! The next day he came out and I now have access and a new key to my car! Fast and efficient polite service! Highly recommend!!"
FAQs
Vehicle and key technology questions
Why do you ask for my registration?
Make, model and year decide the key blade, transponder chip and immobiliser system. The registration lets us confirm the right key and programming method.
What is a transponder key?
A key with a chip that the car's immobiliser checks before allowing the engine to start. A key that turns but is not recognised will not start the car.
Can every key be programmed through the OBD port?
No. Some systems allow OBD programming; others need data reading from a module on the bench. We confirm which applies before quoting.
Do you cover makes not listed here?
Call with your registration. We will tell you honestly whether we can help with that vehicle.
Let’s talk keys
Your registration. A quote in two steps.
Send your details and we’ll get back to you about your keys. For anything urgent, call us.
- Speak directly about your vehicle
- The right option for your key
- Understand the work before deciding