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 £95, a remote or flip key at £120, and a smart key at £249. 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 £95 · all keys lost from £160

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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 £45 repair, not a new key.

Typical era: 2000 onwards

Spare from £120 · buttons repaired from £45

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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 £45

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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 £249 · all keys lost from £299

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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