Skip to main content [Accesskey 'S']Go to home page [Accesskey '1']
Are you a business customer?
  • Broken down?|
  • Had an accident?|
  • Help and support
  • Breakdown cover
  • Report a breakdown
  • Personal breakdown cover
  • Multicar breakdown cover
  • Family breakdown cover
  • European breakdown cover
  • Motorbike breakdown cover
  • Electric car breakdown cover
  • Business breakdown cover
  • Caravan and motorhome breakdown cover
  • Instant breakdown cover
  • Report an accident
  • Wrong fuel assistance
  • Manage your cover
  • Breakdown guides
  • Car insurance
  • Multi-Car Discount
  • Van insurance
  • Electric car insurance
  • Short term car insurance
  • Motorbike insurance
  • Car insurance guides
  • Home insurance
  • Buildings insurance
  • Contents insurance
  • Home insurance guides
  • Travel insurance
  • Backpacker travel insurance
  • All insurance products
  • Car insurance claim
  • Home insurance claim
  • Manage your policy
  • MOTs
  • Car servicing
  • Mobile mechanics
  • Diagnostics
  • Brake pads and discs
  • Car battery replacement
  • Car key replacement
  • Oil and filter change
  • Vixa proactive car care
  • Wrong fuel assistance
  • Car warranty
  • Car servicing guides
  • MOT guides
  • Used cars for sale
  • New cars to lease
  • AA cars and vans
  • Car history check
  • Car warranty
  • Car finance
  • Sell your car
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Vehicle delivery
  • Car reviews
  • Car buying guides
  • Driving School
  • Driving instructor training
  • Driving School franchise
  • EV Driving School franchise
  • Driving instructor guides
  • Driving lessons
  • Refresher driving lessons
  • AA Driving Theory app
  • Manage your lessons
  • Learner driver insurance
  • Learner driving advice
  • Personal loans
  • Car loans
  • Debt consolidation loans
  • Home improvement loans
  • Manage your loan
  • Savings accounts
  • Easy Access Savings
  • AA Member Saver
  • Manage your savings
  • All finance products
  • Finance guides
  • Route planner
  • Traffic news
  • Mileage calculator
  • Fuel price report
  • Travel insurance
  • Backpacker travel insurance
  • Atlases travel guides and driving kits
  • Travel ideas and places to stay
  • Driving advice

Car Key Replacement

Lost or stolen car keys?

Call our mobile Key Assist team for replacement car keys

Car key replacement

Lost car keys can be a real hassle. With Key Assist, it's simple to get a new car key. We’ll cut replacement or spare keys if yours are broken, faulty, lost or stolen.

  • We’re fully mobile and can come to you at work, at home or even in a car park.
  • We carry keys for most vehicles, with car key cutting and programming for most keys and fobs.
  • We're often cheaper than a dealership because we don't need to replace every component.

From a simple key cut to the latest hands-free fobs, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help whether you’re an AA member or not.

Call 0330 053 0407

We’re open from 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week. Just call to book a Key Assist appointment.

Why choose a replacement key service?

Car keys, fobs and remotes can be quite complicated. AA Key Assist takes the hassle out of getting spare car keys.

  • All our technicians are fully trained and DBS background-checked, so you’re in safe hands.
  • We work with vehicle manufacturers, including big names like Ford, BMW and Vauxhall.
  • We follow manufacturer security processes and use dealer equipment wherever possible.
  • Our mobile car locksmiths can be more convenient and cost-effective than a dealership.

  • The different types of car keys range from transponder keys to lock transmitters. They all need to be programmed and some need special software and diagnostics. For broken, stolen or lost car keys, it's best to get a specialist auto-locksmith to help.

    Can I get a car key made without the original?

    Yes. Our equipment reads the key's design directly from the car's lock. So if your car key's lost or stolen, we'll cut and program a new one without needing the original. We’ll also disable any old keys as part of our service, to give you peace of mind that no-one can use the missing keys.

    Keys

    How to get a new car key

    It's easy to get a replacement car key cut and programmed. Call us if your key's lost, stolen, broken or you need a spare.

  • Call our Key Assist team on 0330 053 0407 .
  • We’ll find out where you are and send a technician to you*.
  • If you’re locked out, we can open the lock to get you back in your car .
  • Our equipment reads the key design from the car’s lock so we can copy it.
  • We'll pick a blank key or fob to suit your vehicle from the range carried in our vans.
  • We can usually cut and program a replacement key in around 40 minutes.
  • Flat battery?

    If you’ve got a battery that’s past its best, we’ll come to you to replace it – usually on the same day.
    New car battery

    Put in the wrong fuel?

    Don’t start the car – you could damage it. Sit tight and let AA Fuel Assist help you out.
    Fuel drain service
    Good to know
    Toggle arrow

    * Key Assist isn’t currently available in the Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, the Highlands and Islands, and any location north of Aberdeen. Aberdeen is the most northern point where assistance could be provided.

    Terms and conditions apply.


    How do you use my data?

    To find out how we use your data, please read our privacy notice.

    For more information, there's also our cookie policy and website terms and conditions.

    How much does it cost to replace a car key?
    Toggle arrow

    The cost of replacing your key depends on what type of key your vehicle uses.

    The latest hands-free fobs for keyless entry will cost more than an older-style key remote. 

    Call our AA Key Assist team on 0330 053 0407 and we’ll give you a quote for your key replacement.

    Does insurance cover car key replacement?
    Toggle arrow

    Whether your insurance covers lost or stolen car keys depends on the type of insurance you have.

    With AA car insurance, you’ll be covered for damaged, stolen and lost car keys if you have comprehensive insurance with us. That’s as long as you don’t leave them in the car unattended.

    If the keys, transmitter or keyless fob are lost or stolen, we’ll pay up to £1,000 towards the cost of replacing them. We’ll also pay the cost of protecting your, taking it to the nearest repairers if necessary and delivering it back to you after it’s been fixed.

    If you have third party fire and theft insurance, you’ll only be covered for replacement car keys if they’re lost because of fire or theft. If you have third party only insurance with us, it won’t cover you for replacement car keys.

    I’m an AA member - can I get a replacement key for free?
    Toggle arrow

    If you’re a Gold member, you’ll get free key insurance worth £1,500 with your membership.

    That means you’ll be covered if your keys are lost or stolen. We’ll help with locksmith charges and a temporary replacement vehicle. 

    Don't forget to activate your cover for it to apply. You can log in to check your Smart Benefits here.

    How long does it take to replace a key?
    Toggle arrow

    Call our AA Key Assist team on 0330 053 0407 to book a time and date for your appointment. Once we arrive, we can usually replace your key in around 30-40 minutes. 

    If we need to order a new key, we’ll tell you this up-front and keep you updated on its delivery.

    How do you program a spare key?
    Toggle arrow
    Our technicians use special equipment to read what type of key the vehicle needs. This equipment lets them read the coding in the key so they can cut and program another key on the spot.
    Business breakdown customers
    Toggle arrow

    Whether your vehicle’s keys have been lost, stolen or damaged – or you just need a spare – we can help.

    If you’ve got a large fleet, you can set up a key assist account with us and pay later rather than at the roadside. Get in touch on 0800 551 188 to find out more.

    Compare breakdown cover
    Toggle arrow

    Learn more about choosing the right cover for you in our guide on how to compare breakdown cover. Plus, find out what’s included in breakdown cover from the AA vs RAC.

    You can also discover how Green Flag breakdown cover compares to the AA.

    Connect with us

    x logofacebook iconInsta new
    1. Homearrow-right
    2. Breakdown coverarrow-right
    3. Key Assist
    • About us
    • Gender pay gap
    • Help and support
    • Apps
    • Careers
    • Modern slavery
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy notice
    • Privacy hub
    • Cookies

    © Automobile Association Developments Ltd. 2026