Based in Chinnor · Open 24 hours

New spare car key handed over beside a silver hatchback on the driveway

Spare Car Keys in Chinnor:made at your door.

Get a second key cut and programmed on your driveway or at work, usually for less than the dealer, so one lost key never leaves you stranded or facing an all-keys-lost bill.

~40 min

Typical lockout arrival

DBS & insured

£10m via Locksure

Mobile

We come to your vehicle

Service overview

Spare Car Keys: what it is and when you need it

What it is

A spare car key is a second working key, cut to your car's locks and programmed to its immobiliser and central locking. Depending on your vehicle, that could be a basic transponder key, a flip remote key or a keyless smart key. We cut and program it on site, using your existing working key as the reference.

Who it's for

Drivers who bought a used car with only one key, households where two people share a car, anyone whose only key is starting to wear, and businesses wanting a spare for every fleet vehicle. If you only have one key right now, this service is for you.

When you need it

The best time is while you still have one working key. Making a spare from a working key is quicker and usually costs less than replacing a key when all keys are lost. It's also worth doing if your current key is cracked, the buttons are failing or the blade is worn.

Why use a professional

Modern keys contain a chip that must be programmed to your car. A cheap copy from a high-street cutter may open the door but won't start the engine. An auto locksmith has the diagnostic equipment to program the key correctly, and can advise which key option gives you the best value for your vehicle.

Recent jobs

Spare Car Keys we've done recently

Spare car key supplied for a black saloon parked on a residential street
Replacement spare car key held in front of a dark car at night
Spare car key made on site for a white Dacia
Spare Vauxhall car keys tested inside the vehicle

Don't leave it

What happens if you put it off

One key feels like enough: until it isn't. Most of our all-keys-lost calls come from drivers who meant to get a spare and never did.

If it's ignored

  • Lose your only key and the car can't be driven until a new one is made.
  • A key that snaps or stops working leaves you stranded with no backup.
  • Selling a car with one key can lower its value.

Risks and rising costs

  • Replacing a key when none are left is usually more involved and costs more than copying one.
  • Some cars need keys ordered to the VIN when no key exists, adding waiting time.
  • Being stuck without transport can mean missed work, taxis and hire costs.

Common mistakes

  • Buying an unprogrammed key online and expecting it to start the car.
  • Getting a blade cut without the chip programmed.
  • Assuming only the dealer can do it, and paying dealer prices.

Our process

How the job is done, step by step

  1. 01

    Send your details

    Your registration, location and a photo of your working key let us identify the right key and give you a free quote.

  2. 02

    Choose your key

    Pick aftermarket, OEM unbranded or genuine branded; we'll explain the differences honestly.

  3. 03

    We come to you

    At home or at work, at a time that suits you.

  4. 04

    Cut and program

    The blade is precision cut and the key is programmed to your car's immobiliser and locking.

  5. 05

    Test both keys

    We test the new key and your original on the car before we leave, so you know both work.

Why it's worth it

What you get

No dealer trip

Everything is done at your vehicle, no booking in, no lift home, no waiting room.

Lower cost

Choosing aftermarket or OEM unbranded keys usually costs less than dealer prices.

Same-visit result

Most spare keys are cut and programmed in a single visit.

Avoid a crisis

A spare now prevents the time and cost of an all-keys-lost situation later.

Clear choices

You get honest advice on which key option suits your car and budget.

Trusted

DBS checked, £10m public liability cover and MALA-acknowledged training.

In detail

Spare Car Keys explained

Not every spare key is the same. The right one depends on how your car starts and locks.

Key types we supply

We supply manual transponder keys, flip remote keys and smart keys. Transponder keys have a chip that talks to the immobiliser. Remote keys add lock and unlock buttons. Smart keys let you unlock and start the car without taking the key out of your pocket.

Aftermarket, OEM unbranded or genuine

Aftermarket keys are made by third-party manufacturers and are usually the most affordable. OEM unbranded keys are made to the original specification without the car maker's badge. Genuine branded keys are identical to what the dealer supplies. Universal keys are another option for some vehicles. We'll tell you which options are available for your car.

Cutting methods

Traditional keys have an edge-cut blade, while many modern keys use a laser-cut or high-security blade with a groove down the middle. We precision cut the blade to match your locks, using your existing key or the vehicle's lock data.

Programming

Programming is done either through the car's onboard procedure or using diagnostic equipment connected to the vehicle. This pairs the new chip to the immobiliser and, for remote keys, links the buttons to the central locking.

Household and business vehicles

For families, a spare means two drivers can each carry a key. For businesses and fleets, a spare for every vehicle cuts downtime when a driver loses one. Business invoicing is available for commercial and fleet clients.

What we need for an accurate quote

Every vehicle is quoted individually, and quotes are free. To give you a precise price first time, send us your vehicle registration, whether the vehicle is an import and where it came from, any electrical or vehicle faults you know about, your location, and a photo of any existing working key. With that, we can confirm the right key and method before we travel, so there are no surprises on the day.

Who does the work

SwiftAccess Auto is run by founder James Klamut, based in Chinnor. James holds an Automotive Locksmith Course Completion Certificate, a course acknowledged by MALA, is DBS checked and carries £10 million public liability cover through Locksure. You speak to the person who does the job, from first call to final test, which is why customers regularly mention clear communication and being kept informed throughout.

FAQs

Spare Car Keys questions

How much does a spare car key cost?

+

It depends on your car and the type of key you choose, so every job is quoted individually. Send your registration and a photo of your current key for a free, no-obligation quote.

How long does it take to make a spare key?

+

Most spare keys are cut and programmed in a single visit at your vehicle. If a specific key has to be ordered in for your car, we'll tell you upfront.

Is it cheaper than the main dealer?

+

Usually, yes. You can choose aftermarket or OEM unbranded keys, and there's no need to take the car to a dealership. Our customers regularly mention our prices being reasonable.

Do I need my existing key?

+

It helps. Having a working key makes the job quicker and simpler. If you have no working keys at all, see our all keys lost service instead.

Will my original key still work?

+

Yes. We test both your new key and your original on the car before we leave.

Can you make a spare key for my van or fleet vehicle?

+

Yes. We supply spare keys for cars, vans and fleet vehicles, and can invoice business customers.

Which areas do you cover?

+

We're based in Chinnor and cover Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, including Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Thame, Benson, Witney, Bicester, Wendover, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Maidenhead and Amersham. If your town isn't listed, call and ask; we cover many surrounding villages too.

How do I pay?

+

Card (with an emailed receipt), bank transfer or cash. We're not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to your bill. Business and fleet customers can be invoiced.

Do you offer a warranty on keys?

+

No. Keys can be damaged by drops, water or a flat battery, so we don't offer a warranty on supplied or cut keys. What we do is test every key on your vehicle before we leave, so you see it working with your own eyes.

Car key programming equipment and blank key stock on a workbench

Free quote

Get your spare key sorted this week

Send your details and we'll reply with a clear price for your vehicle. In a hurry? Calling is fastest.

07468 189652
Base
11 Claremont Place, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4FX
Hours
Open 24 hours, 7 days
07468 189652Free Quote