Broken Car Key Repair
A broken car key can happen suddenly and often leaves you unable to start your vehicle or lock it securely. Whether the key has snapped in the ignition, bent in the door lock, or the remote fob has broken, a specialist auto locksmith can usually repair or replace the key on site.
At Immotec, we provide mobile broken car key repair and replacement services across Hull and the surrounding areas. In most cases we can cut and program a new key at the roadside or your home without the need for a main dealer.
How Car Keys Break
Car keys break more often than people realise. Modern keys contain electronics, immobiliser chips and remote locking components, which makes them more fragile than older keys.
Common causes of broken car keys include:
- Wear and tear over time
- Bent keys from turning stiff locks
- Pulling the key out at an angle
- Dropping keys on hard surfaces
- Damaged key fobs
- Snapping the key in the ignition
- Keys getting stuck in door locks
- Using a worn key repeatedly
If your key is starting to bend or crack, it is usually cheaper to copy the key before it breaks completely.
Guaranteed replacement car keys
Our mobile car key replacement service can assist you in any of these eventualities. We cover ignition keys and fobs for most models of cars, vans and motorhomes. We always aim to leave the vehicle in the same condition as we find it. We can also provide a guaranteed saving on cutting a spare car key*
Top Tip – Inspect your car keys on a regular basis for wear and tear. If they show any signs of damage it’s best to get a replacement before they break.
If you’ve broken your car, van or motorhome ignition key, call us today on 07748 114114 and we’ll come to your rescue.
* spare key cut at the same time for the same vehicle
Snapped Car Key in Ignition
One of the most common problems we see is a snapped key in the ignition. This can happen when a worn key twists under pressure or when the ignition barrel is stiff.
We use specialist extraction tools to remove broken keys from ignitions without damaging the ignition barrel. Once the broken piece is removed, we can usually cut and program a new key on site.
Never try to remove a snapped key using pliers or glue, as this often causes more damage.
Broken Car Key in Door Lock
If a key snaps in the door lock, the broken piece can usually be removed using specialist lock tools. In most cases the lock does not need replacing and we can cut a new key from the remaining key or from the lock.
Can a Broken Car Key Be Repaired?
Sometimes a broken car key can be repaired rather than fully replaced.
- Broken key blade → New blade cut
- Broken key casing → New key shell
- Damaged buttons → New remote casing
- Flat battery → Battery replacement
- Immobiliser chip transfer → New key housing
If the electronics are damaged or the key is lost, a full replacement key may be required.
Replacement Car Key for Broken Keys
If the key cannot be repaired, we can supply replacement keys for most vehicles including:
- Cars
- Vans
- Motorhomes
- Some motorcycles
We can often provide replacement keys without the original key, and we can also delete lost or stolen keys from the vehicle immobiliser system.
If the key cannot be repaired, we can cut and program a new car key for most vehicles at your location.
Broken Key Extraction From Ignition
If your key has snapped inside the ignition, do not attempt to start the vehicle or push the key further into the barrel. This can damage the ignition and make the repair more expensive.
We carry specialist extraction tools and can remove broken keys from:
- Ignitions
- Door locks
- Boot locks
- Fuel caps
Spare Car Keys and Preventing Breakages
The best way to avoid a broken car key emergency is to have a spare key and replace worn keys before they fail.
Signs your key may break soon:
- Key is bent
- Cracks in plastic casing
- Key sticks in ignition
- Key difficult to turn
- Buttons not working
- Remote works intermittently
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth getting a spare key cut before the key breaks completely.
