Answers before you call.
Straight answers about prices, how the mobile service works, keys and vehicles — and what to expect when you book.
Pricing and quotes
Pricing and quotes
How much does a car lockout cost?
Vehicle lockouts start from £95. The exact price depends on your vehicle and where it's parked — we confirm it on the call before any work.
How much is a replacement car key?
It depends on the make, model, year and key type. Call with your registration and we'll give you a clear quote before any work begins.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
We agree the full price with you on the call. There's no surprise charge when we arrive.
How the service works
How the service works
Do you come to me?
Yes — we're a fully mobile service. We come to your vehicle at home, at work or at the roadside across Southampton and the surrounding region.
How quickly can you get to me?
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available, depending on workload and location. Call and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.
What information do you need?
Your vehicle registration, the make and model, where the vehicle is, and what's happened with the key. The registration tells us the exact key and programming method.
Keys and vehicles
Keys and vehicles
Can you make a key if I've lost every key?
In most cases, yes. We cut and programme a new key at your vehicle — no tow to the dealer. Compatibility depends on the model and year, so we confirm from your registration first.
Can you programme smart and keyless keys?
Yes — we programme transponders, remote fobs and smart proximity keys on site, through the diagnostic port or a bench read where the vehicle requires it.
Which makes do you cover?
We work on the majority of makes on UK roads — Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota, Peugeot, Renault and more. Check our vehicle pages or call with your registration.
Trust and guarantees
Trust and guarantees
Are you reviewed anywhere?
Yes — we have 450+ positive reviews across Google and Checkatrade, built up over seven years of automotive locksmith work.
Is your work guaranteed?
Every job carries a 12-month warranty on the work we perform.
Will you damage my car getting in?
No — we use damage-free entry techniques. Opening a locked car is a skilled, non-destructive job.
Still unsure?
Every job starts with a conversation.
If your question isn't covered here, call or text with your registration and what's happened. We'll tell you honestly what's possible, what it involves and what it costs — before any work.
450+ five-star / 10-out-of-10 reviews across Google and Checkatrade, and every job carries a 12-month warranty.
What 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!!"
Let’s talk keys
Prefer to write it down?
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