How do I tell if my key has a transponder chip?

If your car was made after roughly 1998, assume it has one. The chip is sealed inside the plastic head, so you can't see it — but if a plain metal copy of your key opens the door yet won't start the engine, that's the transponder at work.

My key has buttons — is that a remote key or a smart key?

If you still push the key (or its hidden blade) into the ignition or a slot to start the car, it's a remote key. If the car unlocks and starts while the key stays in your pocket, it's a smart/proximity key.

Does the key type change the price?

Yes — it's the single biggest factor. A basic transponder spare starts at £120, a remote or flip key at £120, and a smart key at £200. Your reg plate tells us your exact key type, so use the quote form for a precise from-price.

30-second key identifier

Which key do I have?

The key in your hand decides the price of its replacement. Match yours to one of the four types below. Or skip the homework and drop your reg in the quote form, which identifies it for you.

1 · Basic / transponder key

A plain metal blade with a plastic head and no buttons. Looks simple — but since ~1998 that head hides a transponder chip the engine checks before starting, which is why market-stall copies won't start the car.

Typical era: 1995–2010, plus many vans & base models since

Spare from £120 · all keys lost from £300

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2 · Remote key

A fixed blade plus lock/unlock buttons on the head. The buttons work the central locking by radio; the chip still talks to the immobiliser. Worn buttons on these are a £50 repair, not a new key.

Typical era: 2000 onwards

Spare from £120 · buttons repaired from £50

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3 · Flip / switchblade key

Press a button and the blade swings out like a penknife. A VW/Ford/Vauxhall favourite. The flip mechanism and blade wear out long before the electronics — both are rebuildable.

Typical era: 2005 onwards

Spare from £120 · case & blade rebuild from £50

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4 · Smart / proximity key

No blade in sight (there's an emergency one hidden inside). The car unlocks when you touch the handle and starts on a button while the key sits in your pocket. Wonderful — and the priciest to lose.

Typical era: 2014 onwards, premium brands earlier

Spare from £200 · all keys lost from £400

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Still not sure?

Your number plate knows.

Drop your reg into the quote form — it tells us the exact key your car left the factory with, and you get a from-price on screen.

Identify my key