Your local smart key expertsin Chinnor.
Smart keys are expensive to lose and slow to replace through a dealer. We program a spare keyless fob at your home or work, so you've always got a backup.
~40 min
Typical lockout arrival
DBS & insured
£10m via Locksure
Mobile
We come to your vehicle
Service overview
Spare Smart Keys: what it is and when you need it
What it is
A smart key, also called a keyless or proximity key, lets you unlock and start your car without taking the key out of your pocket. A spare smart key is a second fob programmed to your car's keyless entry and start system, usually with an emergency blade hidden inside.
Who it's for
Owners of push-button-start cars, including many modern BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Ford, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai models. If your car starts with a button, this is the key you need.
When you need it
When you only have one smart key, when the fob is being dropped or water-damaged, or when buttons and proximity entry are becoming unreliable.
Why use a professional
Smart keys use advanced encryption and must be programmed with the right diagnostic equipment. Doing it incorrectly can cause the car to reject keys. A trained auto locksmith has the tools to program keyless fobs properly on site.
Recent jobs
Spare Smart Keys we've done recently
Don't leave it
What happens if you put it off
Smart keys are convenient: until you lose your only one.
If it's ignored
- Lose your only smart key and the car can't be unlocked or started.
- A failing fob may stop the car detecting the key.
- Many smart keys are fragile and don't like water or drops.
Risks and rising costs
- All-keys-lost smart key jobs can need parts ordered specifically for the vehicle.
- Dealers may need the car brought in, which can mean a tow.
- Being without the car while you wait adds hire and travel costs.
Common mistakes
- Buying a used fob online and assuming it can be reprogrammed.
- Waiting until the only key fails to arrange a spare.
- Leaving fobs near the front door where they can be relayed.
Our process
How the job is done, step by step
01
Check compatibility
Your registration and a photo of your current fob tell us which smart key your car needs.
02
Free quote
A clear price with key options where available.
03
Visit your car
We come to your home or workplace.
04
Program the fob
We program the new fob to your car's keyless entry and start system and cut the emergency blade.
05
Full function test
Keyless entry, push-button start and buttons are tested on both fobs.
Why it's worth it
What you get
Avoid a big bill
A spare now prevents a more involved replacement later.
Convenience
Programmed at your car, so no dealership trip.
Expert programming
Specialist equipment for encrypted keyless systems.
Choice
Aftermarket, OEM unbranded or genuine branded fobs where available.
Same-visit results
Many smart keys are programmed in one visit.
Trusted
DBS checked, £10m public liability cover and MALA-acknowledged training.
In detail
Spare Smart Keys explained
Smart keys are the most advanced keys we work with. Here's what's involved.
How keyless entry works
The car constantly listens for its key nearby. When you touch the handle or press start, it checks the fob's encrypted signal before unlocking or starting. Each fob has to be paired to the car.
Emergency blade
Most smart keys hide a physical blade for when the fob battery dies. We cut this blade to your locks so you can still get in if the battery fails.
Make-specific systems
Each manufacturer uses its own keyless system, and some makes need parts ordered specifically for the vehicle. We'll tell you before you commit, and as one customer said, we especially enjoy a BMW job.
Fob batteries and care
A weak battery is the most common reason a smart key stops working reliably. We can advise on battery replacement and care, and if a fob is damaged, a refurbishment may be possible.
Keyless security
Keyless cars can be targeted by relay theft. Storing fobs away from doors and windows, and in a signal-blocking pouch, can help reduce that risk.
Smart keys for premium and modern vehicles
Premium makes and newer models often use the most advanced keyless systems. These can need specialist equipment and, in some cases, parts ordered for the specific vehicle. Where a key has to be ordered to the VIN, or the key or part costs more than around £150, a non-refundable deposit is required before ordering. We'll explain this clearly before anything is ordered.
Keeping your keyless car secure
Having two working smart keys also helps security: you can keep one stored safely in a signal-blocking pouch at home rather than carrying both. If a fob is lost or stolen, the old key can be removed from the car's system where it allows, so it can no longer be used to unlock or start the vehicle.
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 Smart Keys questions
How much does a spare smart key cost?
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Smart key prices vary widely by make and model, so we quote each job individually. Quotes are free.
Can you program a smart key without the dealer?
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Yes. We use specialist diagnostic equipment to program keyless fobs at your vehicle.
How long does it take?
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Many smart keys are programmed in a single visit. If a key needs ordering for your vehicle, we'll tell you upfront.
Can I buy a fob online and have you program it?
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Some fobs can't be reprogrammed once used, and others may be incompatible. Talk to us first so you don't waste money.
My smart key has stopped working. Do I need a new one?
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Not always. It could be the battery or a repairable fault. See our key refurbishment and repair service.
Do you cover my area?
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Yes, across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, from our base in Chinnor.
Can you remove a lost smart key from my car?
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Where the vehicle's system allows, yes. Once your new fob is programmed, the lost key can be removed so it can no longer unlock or start the car.
Will a spare smart key have keyless entry and push-button start?
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Yes. A correctly programmed spare works the same way as your original: keyless entry, push-button start and remote buttons, plus a cut emergency blade.
Which areas do you cover?
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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?
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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?
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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.
Related services
Where we offer spare smart keys
Spare Smart Keys in Oxfordshire · Spare Smart Keys in Buckinghamshire · Spare Smart Keys in Berkshire · Spare Smart Keys in Aylesbury · Spare Smart Keys in High Wycombe · Spare Smart Keys in Thame · Spare Smart Keys in Benson · Spare Smart Keys in Witney · Spare Smart Keys in Bicester · Spare Smart Keys in Wendover · Spare Smart Keys in Beaconsfield · Spare Smart Keys in Gerrards Cross · Spare Smart Keys in Maidenhead · Spare Smart Keys in Amersham · Spare Smart Keys in Berkhamsted. Or request a free auto locksmith quote.
Free quote
Get a spare smart key before you need one
Send your details and we'll reply with a clear price for your vehicle. In a hurry? Calling is fastest.
07468 189652- Free, no-obligation quotes
- DBS checked · £10m public liability
- Rated 5 stars on Google
- Base
- 11 Claremont Place, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4FX
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, 7 days