Auto Locksmith London
Car lockouts, key programming, key cutting, and ignition repair for all makes and models. 24/7 mobile service across London.
Auto Locksmith Services
A mobile auto locksmith cuts and programmes car keys (transponder, remote fob, and smart/proximity keys), opens locked vehicles non-destructively, and repairs or replaces faulty ignition barrels - all at your location, without a tow to the dealer. Car key programming starts from £85, a car lockout from £109, and an ignition barrel replacement from £299; our service covers all London postcodes 24/7 with no call-out fee and a free quote before we attend. If you want to understand typical replacement costs in more detail, our guide on how much it costs to replace a car key breaks down the figures by key type and vehicle make.
Locked out of your car, lost your keys, or need a spare? Our mobile auto locksmiths come to you anywhere in London with the equipment to resolve your problem on the spot. We work on all makes and models and carry a comprehensive range of key blanks and programming tools in our service vehicles. Check our auto locksmith prices for upfront costs.
Car Lockout Service
Keys locked inside? Our auto locksmiths gain entry to your vehicle without damage using specialist non-destructive tools. We open all car types including those with deadlocking systems. If you are curious about what methods a professional uses, our guide on how to unlock a car door without a key explains the safe options. Available 24/7 as part of our emergency locksmith service.
From £109
Car Key Programming
New car keys programmed to your vehicle's immobiliser on-site. We handle transponder keys, remote fobs, smart keys, and proximity keys for all major manufacturers. Faster and cheaper than going to the dealer.
From £85
Car Key Duplication
Spare car keys cut and programmed while you wait. Having a spare key avoids the expense of an emergency call-out if you lose your only key. We cut standard, laser-cut, and dimple keys. We also provide van locksmith services for commercial vehicles.
From £109
Ignition Repair & Replacement
Faulty ignition barrel repair and replacement. If your key is stuck, will not turn, or your ignition switch has failed, we diagnose and fix the problem on-site so you can get back on the road.
From £299
Why Choose Our Auto Locksmiths
A genuinely mobile service with the diagnostic kit to cut and programme keys at the roadside, so you avoid a costly tow and dealer wait.
24/7, 365 days a year
We attend nights, weekends and bank holidays. There is no out-of-hours premium hidden in the quote.
25-minute average response
Our mobile technicians are based across London, so we are with most customers within about 25 minutes of confirming the job.
15+ years on all makes
More than fifteen years working on cars, vans and motorhomes, from older transponder systems to the latest proximity keys.
Non-destructive entry
We open vehicles without forcing doors or breaking glass, leaving no signs of forced entry that could affect a future insurance claim.
Fully mobile - we come to you
At home, at work, in a car park or at the roadside. There is nothing to recover to a workshop and no towing to pay for.
Free quote, no call-out fee
We confirm a clear price before we set off and there is no separate call-out charge. See our auto locksmith prices.
Lost, Stolen or Broken Car Keys
Whatever has happened to your keys, we can put it right at your location. We read the immobiliser data, cut a matching blade and programme a fresh key to your vehicle's ECU, so you do not need the original key present.
Lost all your keys
No spare and no original? We extract the immobiliser data, cut a new transponder key and programme it to your ECU on-site. There is no need to recover the car to a dealer.
Stolen keys
We cut and programme a replacement and, where the vehicle allows, reprogramme the immobiliser so the missing key can no longer start your car - useful peace of mind after a theft or break-in.
Broken key extraction
If a key has snapped in the door lock or ignition, we remove it with non-destructive extraction tools, then cut and programme a replacement so nothing is damaged in the process.
Worn or damaged keys
A key that has worn smooth or cracked can be duplicated or replaced while you wait, before it lets you down completely.
A car lockout often goes hand in hand with a wider lockout situation. If you are stuck outside while waiting for a spare, our emergency locksmith London team can also help if you are locked out of your house at the same time.
Car Makes We Cover
Electric Cars & Smart Key Systems
London's roads are changing fast. Electric and hybrid vehicles now make up a significant share of traffic, and their key systems are more advanced than traditional cars. Whether you drive a Tesla, BMW i-series, Kia EV, or Hyundai Ioniq, our auto locksmiths carry the latest diagnostic equipment to handle modern smart key and proximity fob systems.
Common smart key issues we resolve include:
- Dead key fob battery - We replace the battery and reprogramme the fob if needed. Most vehicles have a hidden key blade inside the fob for emergency access.
- Key fob not detected - Signal interference, relay attack damage, or a desynchronised fob. We diagnose and fix the connection between key and vehicle.
- Replacement proximity keys - New smart keys programmed to your vehicle's ECU on-site, without needing a dealer visit.
- Push-to-start programming - We programme proximity keys for keyless push-button-start vehicles so the car recognises the new fob as it comes into range.
- A key or fob you bought online - In many cases we can programme a key or fob you have sourced yourself, as long as it is the correct part for your make, model and year. Call us with the part details and your registration and we will confirm compatibility first.
- Relay theft prevention - We advise on Faraday pouches, OBD port locks, and steering wheel locks to protect keyless vehicles from relay attacks, a growing concern in London. Read our full guide on how to protect your car from keyless theft and relay attacks for practical steps you can take today.
All work is carried out on-site at your location. For specialist key systems, call us with your vehicle details and we will confirm availability and pricing before attending. If you are reviewing your wider home and vehicle security after a theft, our guide to door and window lock types is a useful starting point. See our price list for standard auto locksmith rates.
Cheaper and Faster Than the Main Dealer
Going to a main dealer for a replacement car key usually means recovering the vehicle on a flatbed, leaving it for days and paying a premium for the privilege. As a mobile auto locksmith we remove all of that. We come to you, read the immobiliser data and programme the key on the spot, often for a fraction of the dealer cost.
- No towing - we attend your home, workplace or the roadside, so there is no recovery bill.
- No dealership wait - most jobs are completed the same day rather than over several days.
- On-site programming - we cut blades and programme keys and reset immobiliser data that the dealer would charge a premium for.
- Clear pricing - a free, no-obligation quote over the phone before we attend, with the exact price confirmed before any work starts.
Our car key programming starts from £85 and car lockouts from £109, with the final figure depending on your make, model, year and key type. Ford owners can find a detailed breakdown in our Ford key replacement cost guide. Compare our transparent auto locksmith prices or read why car keys can be so expensive before you book.
How Our Auto Locksmith Call-Out Works
- 1
Call us with your details. Phone 020 4524 6667 with your registration, make, model and year so we can match the right key blank and programming tools.
- 2
We confirm the job and price. You get a clear, no-obligation quote before we set off, with no separate call-out fee.
- 3
Our technician arrives. A mobile auto locksmith reaches you in about 25 minutes on average, fully equipped to cut and programme keys at the roadside.
- 4
We cut, programme and test. We gain non-destructive entry where needed, then cut, programme and test your key so you can drive away.
- 5
Pay on completion. You only pay once the work is done and the key is tested and working. Request a quote or call to book.
What You'll Need: Proof of Ownership
Before we cut and programme a replacement car key, we ask to see proof that you own the vehicle. This is standard practice among legitimate auto locksmiths and it protects you, by making sure keys cannot be made for your car without your permission.
In most cases we simply need:
- The V5C logbook (the vehicle registration document) showing your name and the registration, and
- Photo ID such as a driving licence or passport.
If the V5C is not to hand, do not worry - call us first and we will explain the alternatives we can accept. The check itself is quick and straightforward and is carried out at the roadside when our technician arrives, so it does not slow the job down.
Why Londoners trust City Locksmith
Fully insured, DBS-checked engineers with 15+ years securing London homes and businesses - no call-out fee, with the price agreed up front.
Non-destructive entry
We open without damage where possible
DBS-checked engineers
Background-vetted technicians
Fully insured
Comprehensive public liability cover
15+ years
Serving London since 2008
24/7, 365 days
Day, night, weekends, bank holidays
No call-out fee
Free quotes, price agreed up front
Every job is carried out by an insured, DBS-checked engineer, with a fixed, all-inclusive price agreed before any work begins - no call-out fee and no surprises on the doorstep.
Auto Locksmith FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our locksmith services.
How much does car key programming cost?
Can you make a car key without the original?
How long does it take to unlock a car?
Do you work on all car makes and models?
Can you fix my car ignition?
Do I need proof of ownership to get a replacement car key?
How much cheaper is an auto locksmith than the main dealer?
Can you programme a car key or fob I bought online?
Can you extract a broken or snapped key from the lock or ignition?
Can you replace my keys if my car key has been stolen?
How quickly can you reach me in London?
Do you charge a call-out fee?
Mobile Auto Locksmith Across London
Our mobile auto locksmiths cover all London postcodes and the outer boroughs, day and night. Wherever you are stranded, we can reach you, whether that is an auto locksmith in Central London, the East London postcodes or out across West London. Browse all our local areas or see the full range of locksmith services we provide. Need cover for a work vehicle? We also offer dedicated van locksmith and van lock fitting services.
What our customers say
Real jobs, real Londoners. A few words from people we have helped.
Snapped my key in the ignition on a freezing morning. They extracted it and cut a fresh one on site. Saved me a recovery truck and a garage bill. Top service.
BMW key stopped working and the main dealer couldn't fit me in for a week. These guys came out in two days, reprogrammed it cheaper than the dealer and were polite throughout.
Stranded in a car park with a dead key fob and a baby in the back. They prioritised me, came quickly and got the car open and the key working. Cannot recommend enough.
Locked my keys in the boot with the engine running, classic. The auto locksmith got into the car without a mark on it and was genuinely reassuring about the whole thing. Quick and no drama.
Lost the only key to my Golf and the dealer quoted a small fortune plus a tow. City Locksmith came to the car, cut and programmed a new key on the driveway for a lot less. Back on the road same afternoon.
Needed a spare key for the Fiesta and a new fob programming. He sorted both at my house, tested everything worked twice, and charged exactly what he quoted. Will be calling him for the wife's car too.
Car lockout or need a new key? Call now
Our auto locksmiths come to you 24/7 across London. Key programming from £85, lockouts from £109.
Call 020 4524 6667