Why a spare car key is worth having
The second key is always the cheap one. The moment there is no key left, the job changes completely.
A spare made while you still have a working key is a straightforward job and costs a fraction of an all-keys-lost replacement. We make spares at the car for Japanese, Korean and most American-built makes, plus Volkswagen, as part of our car key replacement service. If you own a car with one key, getting a second is the single most cost-effective thing you can do about it.
- Best time
- While your current key still works
- Where
- At the car, anywhere in Perth
- Makes
- Japanese, Korean, most US-built, plus VW
What changes when the last key goes
What happens if you lose your only car key?
Plenty of cars in Perth are running on a single key, usually because a second was never made or a previous owner kept it. That is fine right up until the key is dropped in the ocean at Scarborough, goes through the wash, is stolen with a bag, or the buttons simply stop responding. At that point the job is no longer a copy, it is a replacement from scratch.
Why does a second key cost less?
With a working key in hand, we can read what we need and programme an additional key alongside it. With no key at all, we have to get the code from the vehicle and then programme from nothing, which takes longer and on some models takes considerably longer. Same locksmith, same van, very different job.
Which spare keys can we make?
Plain cut keys, transponder keys, remote-head keys and key fobs with the buttons built in, and proximity keys, also called key fobs or push start keys. We make them for all the Japanese makes, Hyundai and Kia, and most American-built cars including Ford and Holden — and for Volkswagen we can make a spare while your current key still works. We do not make keys for other European or Chinese makes; those we open, and we will point you to who can cut the key.
What about utes, vans and work vehicles?
We do keys for the HiLux, Ranger, Triton, Navara, BT-50, Colorado, LandCruiser, Prado, Patrol, HiAce and Transit. A work vehicle sitting idle costs more per hour than any key, and a spare in the office drawer is cheap insurance. For a fleet we can do several at once at the yard.
Where is the spare key made?
At the car. There is no shopfront to drive to and nothing gets towed. We come to the driveway, the work car park or the shopping centre, cut the key and programme it there.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
Is a spare key really cheaper than replacing a lost one?
Considerably, yes. With a working key to hand the job is quicker and simpler. Once every key is gone we have to start from the vehicle itself.
Can you make a spare at my house?
Yes, we come to the car. Driveway, work car park or street, it does not matter.
What kinds of car keys can you make?
Plain cut keys, transponder keys, remote-head keys, key fobs and proximity keys, also called key fobs or push start keys.
Can you make a spare Volkswagen key?
Yes, while you still have a working key. Volkswagen all-keys-lost is a dealer job, and other European and Chinese makes we open but do not cut keys for.
Can you do several work vehicles at once?
Yes. We come to the yard and do the fleet in one visit, which works out better than one at a time.
What decides the cost of a spare key?
The make, the year and the type of key — a plain blade is not the same job as a proximity key. We work it out with you on the phone and agree it before we start.