One key is a problem waiting to happen

Why get a spare now

• It's much cheaper while you still have a working key to copy from. Once the last one's gone the job gets bigger.
• Bought a car with one key? Very common with used cars. Sort it before the single key wears out.
• Two drivers, one key gets old fast.

Cloned or programmed?

Ian will pick whichever suits the car. Cloning copies the chip in your existing key onto a new one – quick and cheap. Programming teaches the car a brand-new key through its diagnostic port, which is needed on some models and whenever you want a remote fob rather than a plain key. Either way it's tested in the door and the ignition before he leaves.

Keyless and smart keys

Proximity keys for push-button-start cars can be supplied and programmed too. These are dearer than a standard key, so it's worth getting a spare while the car still has one working fob.

What it costs

A plain key that you turn in the ignition starts at £75; a remote key or fob starts at £140. The exact price depends on the manufacturer, so ring with the make, model and year for a firm figure.

Where and when

Home, work or anywhere the car is parked, across Belper, Amber Valley and Derbyshire. Most spare-key jobs fit in the same day or the next.