Yes.

Until the stolen key is deactivated from your vehicle’s immobiliser system, it will work exactly as it did before.

A thief with your key can unlock and start your vehicle without triggering any alarms. This is why acting quickly is so important.

Modern car keys contain a programmed transponder chip that communicates with your vehicle’s immobiliser.

Until that chip is erased from the system, the key remains live.

Will can deactivate it remotely from the vehicle’s onboard system, no dealership visit required.

This is an unfortunately common scenario and it’s important to act fast. Your immediate priorities are:

• Report the burglary to the police and obtain a crime reference number
• Move your vehicle away from your home address if you have a spare key
• Contact Will to get the stolen key deactivated and new keys issued as soon as possible
• Notify your home and vehicle insurers

Important: Do not assume that because nothing has happened immediately, the risk has passed.

Opportunistic thieves may wait before acting.

This is an unfortunately common scenario and it’s important to act fast. Your immediate priorities are:

• Report the burglary to the police and obtain a crime reference number
• Move your vehicle away from your home address if you have a spare key
• Contact Will to get the stolen key deactivated and new keys issued as soon as possible
• Notify your home and vehicle insurers

Important: Do not assume that because nothing has happened immediately, the risk has passed.

Opportunistic thieves may wait before acting.

In most cases, deactivating the stolen transponder key and reprogramming the immobiliser is sufficient to secure your vehicle.

However, if your vehicle uses a physical barrel lock that the stolen key matches, there may be a case for lock replacement, particularly if the theft was targeted rather than opportunistic.

Will can assess your specific situation when he arrives and advise whether any additional measures are recommended.

Many comprehensive car insurance policies include cover for key replacement following theft, though this varies significantly between providers.

Some policies require a specific police report and crime reference number before they will process a claim.

It’s worth checking your policy documents or calling your insurer before booking.

Even if your policy does cover it, our prices are often lower than the insurer’s approved rates.

We can provide a full itemised invoice for any claim you wish to make.

Tip: Always keep your crime reference number safe. Without it, most insurers won’t process a key theft claim.

The cost depends on your vehicle’s make and model and the type of key technology it uses.

Basic transponder keys are less expensive to replace than full proximity smart keys on premium vehicles.

We always provide a free, no-obligation quote before any work begins.

As a benchmark, our prices are consistently and significantly lower than main dealer alternatives:  Typically by 30–50%

… With no call-out fees and no hidden charges.

If the keys were stolen during a home burglary, the replacement may fall under your home contents insurance rather than (or in addition to) your vehicle insurance.

It’s worth checking both policies.

Either way, you’ll need the police crime reference number and documentation of the work carried out.

Will can provide a full invoice.

Will is a mobile locksmith based in Haywards Heath, covering approximately 40 miles across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

Response times vary depending on location and current availability, but he aims to get to you as quickly as possible. Particularly in urgent situations involving a security risk.

Call 07807 901 956 directly for the fastest response.

For less urgent situations, the online quote form is also available.

Absolutely! 

From the moment you get in touch, we will let you know if we cover your make, model and vehicle type. 

There are very few vehicles that we cannot assist with. 

Yes, and we can usually offer the second (Or third, or forth!) key at a discounted rate.

Much of our fee is there to cover travel and time, so we can be verfy competitive on multiple keys.

For security reasons, Will requires evidence that you are the registered keeper or an authorised person before working on any vehicle.

Accepted documents include:

• V5C logbook (vehicle registration document)
• Valid driving licence matching the registered address
• An insurance certificate showing the vehicle registration
• Finance or lease agreement in your name

This is a firm requirement, not a formality.

It exists to protect vehicle owners from unauthorised key cutting, which is especially important in cases of suspected theft.

Will carries equipment for a very wide range of makes and models, including cars, vans and HGVs.

He regularly works with vehicles from:

Audi, BMW, Ford, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and many more.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is covered, just call, and he’ll confirm before travelling to you.

Yes.

Will can erase only the stolen key from your vehicle’s immobiliser system while keeping your remaining key or keys active.

This is a standard part of the process and ensures you’re not left without access to your vehicle.

Your existing keys are re-registered at the same time, so everything continues to work seamlessly.

Will is based in Haywards Heath and covers approximately 40 miles, including:

Brighton, Crawley, Worthing, Horsham, Burgess Hill, Hailsham, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Dorking, Oxted, Reigate, Caterham, Edenbridge, Storrington, Steyning, Newhaven, Polegate and more.

If you’re not sure whether you’re within range, call or use the online form, and Will will confirm.