Car keys have come a long way from simple metal blades. If you've been quoted wildly different prices for a replacement key, it's because not all keys are created equal. Here's a clear explanation of the four main types — so you know what you have and what it should cost to replace.
1. Standard Metal Key (Pre-1995)
A plain metal key with no electronics. Cuts the old-fashioned way on a key cutting machine. These are rare now — only on pre-1995 vehicles or very basic models.
Cost to replace: £99 (Bridlington Keys), £150-£250 (main dealer)
How to tell: The key is just metal — no plastic head with buttons, no bulky casing. Think of a house key but for your car.
2. Transponder Key (1995-2010)
Looks like a standard key but has a small electronic chip sealed inside the plastic head. When you insert the key into the ignition, the car's immobiliser sends a radio signal to the chip. If the chip responds with the correct code, the engine starts. No chip, no start — even if the key physically turns.
This technology virtually eliminated car theft when it was introduced and is now standard on virtually every vehicle on UK roads.
Cost to replace: £120-£150 (Bridlington Keys), £200-£400 (main dealer)
How to tell: The key has a plastic head (often black or grey) that's thicker than a standard key. There are no buttons — it's still a blade you insert into the ignition.
Common on: Ford Focus (2005-2011), Vauxhall Corsa (2000-2014), Toyota Yaris (1999-2010), most cars from this era.
3. Remote Key Fob (2000-Present)
A transponder key with added remote central locking buttons — lock, unlock, and sometimes a boot release. The remote and the transponder chip are two separate systems in the same key:
- The remote part controls the door locks via radio signal (battery-powered)
- The transponder chip authorises the engine start (passive, no battery needed)
This is the most common type of car key on UK roads today.
Cost to replace: £150-£200 (Bridlington Keys), £250-£500 (main dealer)
How to tell: It's a flip key or a solid fob with buttons (lock/unlock/boot). You insert a metal blade into the ignition to start the car, but you can lock/unlock remotely.
Common on: Most cars from 2005-2020 — Ford Fiesta/Focus, Vauxhall Astra/Corsa, Volkswagen Golf/Polo, Peugeot 208/308, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Auris.
4. Smart / Proximity Key (2010-Present)
"Keyless entry and start." The key stays in your pocket or bag. The car detects it when you're nearby (usually within 1-2 metres), unlocks when you touch the door handle, and starts at the press of a button on the dashboard.
Smart keys communicate constantly with the car via low-frequency radio. They're convenient but expensive to replace — and if the battery dies, you'll need the emergency metal blade hidden inside the fob to get in.
Cost to replace: £180-£350 (Bridlington Keys), £400-£800+ (main dealer)
How to tell: You don't insert anything into the ignition. You carry the fob and press a Start/Stop button on the dash. The key often has a metal emergency blade that slides out. The fob is usually chunkier and more premium-feeling than a basic remote key.
Common on: Most premium and newer cars — BMW (all models post-2010), Mercedes (post-2013), Audi (post-2012), Range Rover/Land Rover, higher-spec Ford, Vauxhall, and VW models from about 2015 onwards.
Key Type Comparison Table
| Key Type | Has Chip? | Remote Buttons? | Keyless Start? | Locksmith Price | Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Metal | No | No | No | £99 | £150-£250 |
| Transponder | Yes | No | No | £120-£150 | £200-£400 |
| Remote Fob | Yes | Yes | No | £150-£200 | £250-£500 |
| Smart / Proximity | Yes | Yes | Yes | £180-£350 | £400-£800+ |
Which Key Type is Cheapest to Replace?
Standard metal keys are cheapest. Smart keys are the most expensive — they use more advanced technology and require specialist programming equipment. But even a smart key from us is typically 40-60% cheaper than from a main dealer, and we come to you.
See our full pricing page for a complete breakdown of what each key type costs with Bridlington Keys vs main dealers — with transparent, fixed prices and no hidden fees.
If you're not sure what type of key your car uses, call us on 07706 303038 with your registration number and we'll tell you — and give you a firm price — in under a minute.