Frequently Asked Questions
Car lock and key problems are stressful, and most people calling us have never needed an auto locksmith before. These are the questions we get asked most, answered plainly. If yours isn't here, just call — there's no charge for asking.
Getting Help Fast
How quickly can you reach me in Leicester?
Depending on traffic, your location and the current call-out schedule, attendance is often possible within 30 to 60 minutes, and same-day assistance is usually available. Being based centrally in Highfields keeps response times fairly consistent across the city.
Are you really available 24 hours a day?
Yes, including nights, weekends and bank holidays. Lockouts rarely happen at convenient times, so the phone is answered around the clock.
What should I have ready when I call?
Your vehicle make, model and year, your location, and a quick description of what has happened. If you still have the key, even a broken one, hold on to it. A photo sent over WhatsApp often helps us identify the key type before setting off.
I'm locked out right now. What should I do first?
Check every door including the boot, then call rather than attempting entry yourself. Modern locks, sensors and window seals damage easily, and a forced attempt can turn a straightforward unlock into an expensive repair.
Do I need to be with the vehicle?
In most cases yes, because we will usually need to verify ownership before cutting or programming a key. If that is difficult, call and we will talk through what is needed for your situation.
Car Keys and Replacements
Can you replace a lost car key without the original?
In the majority of cases, yes. Using diagnostic-level equipment we can cut and program a new key for most makes and models even when no original key is available. See car key replacement for the full detail.
Do you cut and program keys on-site?
Yes. Most key cutting, programming and unlocking work is completed at your vehicle, wherever it is, using fully mobile equipment. There is no need to tow the car anywhere.
How long does a replacement key take?
Most jobs are completed within the same visit. Straightforward keys can take under an hour, while more complex systems or all-keys-lost situations take longer. We will give you a realistic timeframe on the phone.
Should I get a spare key cut before I need one?
It is one of the few genuinely money-saving things you can do. A spare cut in advance costs a fraction of an emergency all-keys-lost replacement. See spare car keys.
My key snapped in the ignition. Can it be fixed?
Usually. A snapped key needs careful extraction to avoid damaging the barrel underneath. See broken key repairs.
My key fob has stopped working. Is that a new key?
Not necessarily. It is often a battery, a worn button contact, or a fob that needs reprogramming. See key fob repairs.
What is the difference between cutting and programming?
Cutting shapes the physical blade so it turns in the lock. Programming electronically matches the key's transponder chip to your vehicle's immobiliser so the engine will actually start. Most modern keys need both.
Pricing and Payment
Do you charge a call-out fee?
No, never. Because of a mechanical background, a short phone conversation usually establishes whether this is a locksmith issue or a car issue, so you are not charged simply to find that out.
How much does a replacement car key cost?
It depends genuinely on the vehicle and key type. A basic non-transponder key costs far less than a modern smart key with remote locking and push-button start, and premium marques usually cost more due to parts and programming complexity. Anyone quoting one flat price without asking what you drive is not quoting accurately.
Are you the cheapest locksmith in Leicester?
No, and we will not pretend to be. Pricing sits deliberately mid-range. The priority is accurate diagnosis and completing the work properly the first time, which is usually cheaper than paying twice.
Is a locksmith cheaper than the main dealer?
In almost every case, yes, and considerably faster. A dealership replacement typically means recovering the vehicle to them and waiting for a key to be ordered, while most of our work is done at the roadside the same day.
Will the price change once you arrive?
You get a clear price before we set off, based on the vehicle and job described. If something on arrival genuinely changes the picture, we tell you before doing any work rather than adding it to the bill afterwards.
Still Not Sure? Get A Price Over The Phone.
Call 07883 606938Vehicles We Cover
How do I know if you cover my car?
The quickest way is to ring with your make, model and year. See vehicles we cover for the main list.
Do you work on premium and prestige cars?
Most of them, yes, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover. A small number of very recent models require manufacturer security clearance that independent locksmiths cannot access, and we will say so upfront.
What about keyless entry and push-button start?
Those are smart keys and we program them regularly. They cost more than a basic key because of the technology involved, not because of the badge on the bonnet.
Do you cover vans and commercial vehicles?
Yes. Transit, Vivaro, Transporter, Sprinter, Trafic and more, plus agricultural and farm equipment that a lot of locksmiths will not take on.
Does the age of my car matter?
It affects the method rather than whether we can help. Older vehicles often have simpler systems, while newer ones are programmed through the diagnostic port. Both are routine work.
My car is an import. Can you still help?
Often yes, though imports can use different key systems to the UK-market equivalent. It is worth calling with the details so we can check before travelling out to you.
How We Work
Will unlocking my car cause any damage?
In normal circumstances, no. We use professional non-destructive entry methods designed to avoid damage. See emergency car unlocking.
What if my car is not at home?
Being fully mobile means we come to wherever the vehicle actually is, whether that is a car park, a workplace, a supermarket or the roadside.
Are you insured?
Yes, with 5 million pounds of public liability insurance covering every job.
Who actually turns up?
Khalid, the owner, attends his own jobs. There is no call centre and no franchise network. Read more about us.
What areas do you cover?
The whole of Leicester city plus surrounding towns and villages. See areas we cover.
What proof of ownership do I need?
Usually something linking you to the vehicle, such as the V5C logbook, insurance documents or a driving licence matching the registered address. This protects you as much as us, since it is what stops keys being cut for someone else's car.
Can you help if my car has been broken into?
Yes. We can replace damaged locks and ignition barrels. See vehicle security. Report the break-in to the police first so you have a crime reference for insurance.
Rated by Leicester Drivers
5.0 stars on Google, built one honest job at a time.
Question Not Answered Here?
There's no charge for asking, and no obligation. Ring with your make, model and what's happened, and you'll get an honest answer — including if the honest answer is that you need a dealer rather than a locksmith.
You might also find what you need on our services pages, the vehicles we cover list, or our guide to keyless car theft and signal blocking. For independent advice on vehicle security standards, Thatcham Research is a useful reference.
Locked Out Or Lost Your Keys? We're Available 24/7.
One call gets an honest answer in minutes — no call-out fee, ever.