When a replacement isn't enough
If your car keys were simply lost, a replacement key is usually the answer. But if they were stolen - or you gave a copy to someone you no longer trust - a replacement on its own leaves the problem in place. The thief still holds a key that opens and starts your car. Re-keying is the job that actually removes the risk: we change the locks and recode the immobiliser so the old key is dead weight.
It's the car equivalent of changing the locks on your house. More involved than a replacement, yes - but the only option that genuinely closes the door on a stolen key. We do the whole job at your vehicle, wherever it is.
Re-keying vs replacing: a replacement gives you a new key but leaves the old one working. Re-keying gives you a new key and kills the old one. If theft is the worry, re-key is the right call.
What re-keying involves
- 1
Call & quote
Tell us what happened, the make and model, and where you are.
- 2
Verify ownership
V5C and ID checked - essential on a security job.
- 3
Change the locks
Lock tumblers are repinned to a new key.
- 4
Recode the immobiliser
Old keys erased from memory; new key coded in.
- 5
Test the old key
We confirm the old key no longer works.
When to ask for re-keying
- Your car keys were stolen
- A spare key went missing and didn't turn up
- You suspect a copy was made without your knowledge
- A relationship ended and you want to be certain
- You bought a used car and want to be sure only you have keys
Re-keying for most popular makes
Transponder keys
Locks changed, chip recoded.
Remote flip keys
New blade, remote re-paired.
Smart proximity fobs
System recoded to a new fob.
Call us with your registration to confirm we can help and get an honest quote.
Areas we cover
From Scunthorpe, within about 25 miles - Doncaster, Lincoln, Grimsby, Gainsborough and surrounding towns. Not north of the Humber Bridge.
Service-specific FAQs
What does re-keying a car actually mean?
It means changing the locks and recoding the car so that the old keys no longer work - you get a fresh key and the old ones are neutralised. It's the car equivalent of changing the locks on a house after keys go missing, and it's the right move when keys are stolen.
My keys were stolen - should I re-key or just get a replacement?
If keys were stolen, a plain replacement still leaves the thief with a working key to your car. Re-keying closes that door: the old key can't open the locks or start the engine. It costs more than a replacement, but it's the only option that actually removes the risk.
Can the old key still start the car after re-keying?
No. We change the lock tumblers and erase the old key's transponder from the immobiliser, so a stolen key can neither unlock nor start the vehicle. The new key is the only one that works.
Do you need the car, or just the keys?
The car - re-keying is done at the vehicle because we work on the locks and the immobiliser together. We come to you, and as always we check your V5C and ID before we start.