Lost every key? Ian makes a new one at the car

What happens

1. Ring with the details

   Make, model, year and where the car is. Ian gives you a price before he leaves.

2. Proof it's yours

   Bring the V5C (logbook) or other proof of ownership and some photo ID. Ian won't make a key without it – it's how he keeps the service honest.

3. New key, old ones gone

   Ian cuts the blade, programs the transponder and remote, and where the car allows it removes the lost key from the system so it won't start the engine if it turns up in the wrong hands.

Stolen keys

If your keys were stolen rather than lost, the priority is making sure the old key is dead. Tell Ian – on most cars the lost key can be deleted when the new one is programmed, so there's no need to replace locks.

Which cars?

Most makes of car and small van. Mercedes after 2014, Range Rover Vogue and Sport, and Evoque or Discovery after 2018 are the ones Ian leaves to the dealer – see the full list.

What it costs

Less than the dealer in nearly every case, and no recovery truck. As a guide, a plain ignition key starts at £75 and a remote key from £140, varying by manufacturer; a keyless fob for a newer car is at the top end. Ian quotes a firm figure over the phone, not an estimate that grows on the day.