Car Key Replacement: an overview
Losing your only car key, or having a key break or stop working, can leave you stranded. Most modern car keys are more than a piece of cut metal: they contain a transponder chip, and often a remote or smart-key function, that must be programmed to your vehicle before the engine will start.
Our car key replacement service covers the whole process — identifying your key type, supplying a suitable replacement, cutting the blade where there is one, and programming the key to your vehicle.
Problems we can help with
- Lost all car keys
- Key broken or snapped
- Worn key that no longer turns in the ignition or door
- Remote buttons not working
- Car does not recognise the key or won't start
- Need a spare key before the only one is lost
What we do
Start by telling us your vehicle's make, model and year, the type of key you have (or had), and what the problem is. Our key request form makes this quick, and you can attach a photo of the key if you still have it.
We confirm what is needed for your vehicle and give you an estimate before any work. Depending on the vehicle, the work involves supplying the correct key or key shell, cutting the blade, and programming the transponder and remote or smart functions to the car. If all keys are lost, we also make sure lost keys are removed from the vehicle's memory where the system allows, so they can no longer start it.
Before you leave, we test the key: locking and unlocking, starting the engine, and any remote or keyless functions.
Our process
- 1
Vehicle inspection
We look at the vehicle with you and note the symptoms or damage.
- 2
Key & system check
We confirm your key type and what your vehicle requires.
- 3
Estimate
You receive an itemised estimate on your phone.
- 4
Customer approval
Nothing starts until you approve — online, in one tap.
- 5
Key made & programmed
The key is supplied, cut where needed and programmed.
- 6
Quality check
Every key is tested with the vehicle before handover.
Why choose Lionized Autocare
Key work depends on the exact vehicle and key system, so we confirm what is possible for your car before you commit. You get a clear estimate, and we test every key with you before handover.
- Itemised estimate before any work
- Online approval — no surprises
- Progress updates on your status page
- Every job recorded in your service history
Car Key Replacement: frequently asked questions
Can you replace a car key if I have lost all my keys?
In many cases, yes. The process depends on the vehicle's make, model, year and security system. Send us the details through the key request form or on WhatsApp and we will confirm what is required.
What information do I need to provide?
Your vehicle's make, model, year and registration, the key type (standard, remote, smart or keyless), and what happened to the key. For security, we will also ask for proof that you own the vehicle.
Why do car keys need programming?
Most modern keys contain a transponder chip that the car's immobiliser must recognise before the engine will start. Remote and smart functions also need to be paired with the vehicle. Cutting a blade alone is not enough.
Should I get a spare key?
Yes — replacing a key when you still have a working one is usually simpler than replacing a key when all are lost. See our spare car keys service.
How much does a car key replacement cost?
It depends on the vehicle, the type of key and whether any keys are still available. We confirm the requirements for your vehicle and give you an estimate first.
Car Key Replacement: helpful advice
Car Key Replacement for drivers in Kikuyu, Nairobi and Waiyaki Way.
