Brits hit in pocket as key costs rocket

What is the price of car security? Considerably higher than it was 10 years ago, according to an exclusive survey carried out by Auto Express.

We compared the prices of replacement items for some of Britain’s best-selling models (see our table) and found that the increasing complexity of anti-theft systems is costing motorists who lose or damage their keys up to £135 more than in 1997.

With hi-tech immobilisers, alarms and remote locking, modern car keys are far more expensive to replace than they were a decade ago. For instance, a new set for a Peugeot 207 would be around £99. Yet for its 205 predecessor, it is only £3.77!

And there’s more than the cost of the blippers, which are packed with complicated micro-electronics, to con­sider. Most manufacturers will charge you to reprogramme the device so you can use it with your vehicle, too.

Prices vary wildly depending on the brand, and Ford will relieve you of £60 to encrypt the kit. VW’s fee is £35 – but a new remote control unit is £123.

Buyers will also find they can get the replacements only from franchises. A decade ago, most car keys could be duplicated by a locksmith, which was a cheap aftermarket alternative.

The Society of Motor Manufactur­ers and Traders says the benefits out­weigh the cost. “The increase in security provided by modern keys provides most motorists with additional peace of mind,” explained a spokesman.