HOW TO HIRE · VEHICLES & TRANSPORT

How to hire a car key replacement in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

A car key replacement in Ireland costs €120–€500 per key, typically around €250. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a car key replacement in five steps

  1. Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers car key replacement work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — emergency Lockout Services — in some cases, car key replacement may also include emergency lockout services if you find yourself locked out of your vehicle.
  2. How does type of key change the price?A basic option and a premium one are different jobs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  3. How does complexity of the programming required change the price?An unusual brief takes longer to understand before it can be quoted. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  4. How does make change the price?It is worth being specific about when you ask for a price. — ask before the quote rather than after.
  5. What is not included?Car key replacement services generally do not include repairs to the ignition system or other lock mechanisms unless specified — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a car key replacement job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

NO REGISTER APPLIES TO MECHANICS IN IRELAND — anyone may repair a car. The statutory thing is the NCT, which is carried out by the national testing service and not by a garage, so a garage cannot issue one. SIMI membership is a trade association rather than a licence, and it gives you a complaints route.

Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.

What to check instead

Motor trade insurance covering your car while it is in their custody, which is separate from their public liability; A written estimate before work starts, and a call before any extra work; Whether parts are new, reconditioned or used, named on the invoice; The guarantee on parts and on labour, separately, in writing; Whether diagnosis is charged separately and whether it is credited against the repair; For a pre-purchase inspection, that the inspector is independent of the seller.

Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.

Insurance

Expect public liability and motor trade cover for vehicles in their custody. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.

Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.

Trader or private seller

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.

Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.

VAT

VAT at 13.5%, the reduced rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.

Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →

“Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?”

A good answer: No register covers car key replacement work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — emergency Lockout Services — in some cases, car key replacement may also include emergency lockout services if you find yourself locked out of your vehicle.

“How does type of key change the price?”

A good answer: A basic option and a premium one are different jobs. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“How does complexity of the programming required change the price?”

A good answer: An unusual brief takes longer to understand before it can be quoted. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“How does make change the price?”

A good answer: It is worth being specific about when you ask for a price. — ask before the quote rather than after.

“What is not included?”

A good answer: Car key replacement services generally do not include repairs to the ignition system or other lock mechanisms unless specified — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a car key replacement job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.

“Who insures you, and what is the policy number?”

A good answer: Expect public liability and motor trade cover for vehicles in their custody — remote Key Fob Replacement — if your car key includes a remote fob for locking and unlocking, replacement services often cover programming a new fob to sync with your vehicle.

“What do I get in writing, and when?”

A good answer: A written scope and a price before the car key replacement starts, and an itemised invoice after — transponder Key Programming — many modern vehicles come with transponder keys that require programming to start the engine.

Getting the quote right

  • Type of key — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs.
  • Complexity of the programming required — an unusual brief takes longer to understand before it can be quoted.
  • Make — it is worth being specific about when you ask for a price.
  • Model of your vehicle — bringing the right machine first time avoids a second visit.
  • In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
  • What is NOT included, named
  • Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
  • The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register

Walk away if

  • They will not talk about it: type of key — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs
  • They will not talk about it: complexity of the programming required — an unusual brief takes longer to understand before it can be quoted
  • They will not talk about it: make — it is worth being specific about when you ask for a price
  • A price for the car key replacement before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
  • Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
  • No written quote, or one that moves once the car key replacement has begun
LOW
€120
TYPICAL
€250
HIGH
€500

What a car key replacement costs: €120–€500 per key

The figures are for the job, per key, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Traditional key cutting and Transponder key programming each carry their own band. Car Key Replacement price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE

Car key replacements near you, with the badges that matter shown

ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.

Or post the job free and let them come to you.

  1. Look firstType of key — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs — that is what the car key replacement is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
  2. Agree what is being doneComplexity of the programming required — an unusual brief takes longer to understand before it can be quoted — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
  3. The work itselfMake — it is worth being specific about when you ask for a price — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
  4. Check it togetherModel of your vehicle — bringing the right machine first time avoids a second visit — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the car key replacement is still there.
  5. What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, any additional features such as remote locking — it is the part of the job hardest to judge from a photograph.

Key Cutting Services
Car key replacement typically includes cutting a new key based on your existing key or vehicle specifications.
Transponder Key Programming
Many modern vehicles come with transponder keys that require programming to start the engine.
Remote Key Fob Replacement
If your car key includes a remote fob for locking and unlocking, replacement services often cover programming a new fob to sync with your vehicle.
Emergency Lockout Services
In some cases, car key replacement may also include emergency lockout services if you find yourself locked out of your vehicle.
Key Extraction
Involves safely removing a broken key from the ignition or door lock without damaging the lock.
Smart Key Replacement
Entails replacing advanced smart keys for modern vehicles, requiring complex programming and setup.

AFTER

When the job is done

Keep the invoice and the paperworkAn itemised invoice with the trader's name, the work and the total — emergency Lockout Services — in some cases, car key replacement may also include emergency lockout services if you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, because it is what a buyer's solicitor, an insurer or a lender asks for long after the car key replacement has gone.
Test what was doneRemote Key Fob Replacement — if your car key includes a remote fob for locking and unlocking, replacement services often cover programming a new fob to sync with your vehicle — and something that does not work on the day is theirs to put right there and then.
Ask what the guarantee isOn the workmanship and on the parts, and for how long each one runs — they are usually different. transponder Key Programming — many modern vehicles come with transponder keys that require programming to start the engine — under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 what was agreed is what can be relied on.
Leave the reviewOnly a booked job can be reviewed on Locufy, which is why the score on a car key replacement's card means something — key Cutting Services — car key replacement typically includes cutting a new key based on your existing key or vehicle specifications.

STEP 1Say it in writing, firstSay what is wrong and what you want done. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 the work must be carried out with reasonable skill and care, and defective work put right.
STEP 2Use the make-it-right step on LocufyUnder four stars you are asked whether to send it to the provider first; we follow it through. Then review.
STEP 3Escalate to the body that regulates itThere is no register, so the route is the consumer body and, if needed, the courts.
STEP 4Small claimsSmall claims covers €2,000, once you have asked in writing and given them a chance to put it right.

Hiring a car key replacement: questions people ask

The cost of car key replacement can vary based on the type of key, the complexity of the programming required, and the make and model of your vehicle. Luxury or newer vehicles often have more advanced keys, which can increase the cost.

The duration for car key replacement typically ranges from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. This timeframe depends on the type of key being replaced and whether programming or cutting is required.

While general locksmiths can handle most car key replacements, it's advisable to choose a specialist who has experience with your vehicle's make and model, especially for transponder keys. Some services may require regulated skills, particularly for advanced key systems.

Many locksmiths offer emergency or same-day car key replacement services, often at a premium. It's best to call ahead and confirm availability, especially if you need immediate assistance.

Yes, many locksmiths offer package deals for multiple services, such as lock changes and key replacements. Booking several related jobs at once can often lead to discounts.

Car key replacement services generally do not include repairs to the ignition system or other lock mechanisms unless specified. Always clarify with your locksmith what is included in the service prior to booking.

MORE GUIDES

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Car key replacements near you

Car key replacements in DublinCar key replacements in CorkCar key replacements in GalwayCar key replacements in LimerickAll car key replacements on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. CCPC — your rights when you buy a service
  2. Consumer Rights Act 2022
  3. Courts Service — small claims
  4. Revenue — MOTOR VEHICLES - REPAIRS (Certain repair and related services) — Reduced rate
  5. Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
  6. Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only