Quick answer: Yes. Get a spare while there’s still a key to copy. Copying a working key is the simple job. Once the only key is gone we have to start from the lock and program the car from scratch, and that usually happens at the worst time.
Updated 2 November 2026
RAC WA says the same thing: if your car doesn’t have a spare key, have one made as soon as possible. Either the second key went missing somewhere along the way or the car came to you with just the one. Both end the same way if the last key goes.
What happens when the only key goes?
The car stays where it is. With a spare at home, a lost key is a nuisance. Without one, a new key has to be made from the car itself, and that’s more work than copying the key in your hand.
For Japanese, Korean and most American cars we can still do that at the car. Here’s what’s involved if you’ve lost all your car keys, and what decides the cost of a replacement car key. For European and Chinese cars it’s a dealer job, so if you drive one of those and you’re down to one key, ring the dealer about a spare now.
Bought a used car with one key?
RAC’s advice is to make sure the seller gives you a complete set of keys. If the car is already in your driveway with one, this is the time to sort it out.
Don’t expect the dealer to fix it later. The Consumer Protection WA guide to used car warranty lists the ignition key, remote and transponder, with a note that there’s no obligation to provide spares. Keys aren’t on Consumer Protection’s buyer’s checklist either, so add them to your own. Buying privately, the Australian Consumer Law doesn’t cover the car at all. Count the keys before you pay.
Why can’t I just copy it at a hardware store?
Because the cut of the blade is only half of it. Transport WA requires an approved immobiliser when a vehicle is licensed and when it’s transferred, and vehicles over 25 years old are exempt. So nearly every car on the road here has an immobiliser, and on most cars that’s a chip in the key. A copy with no programmed chip might turn in the door, but the engine won’t start. Our guide to transponder keys explains how the chip works.
What does getting a spare involve?
You tell us the make, model and year, and we come to the car. We cut the key and program it right there. Most take about half an hour once we’re there, and you can read more on how long a car key takes.
The car doesn’t get towed anywhere, and it’s usually a lot less than going through a dealer. Our spare car keys page lists the types of key we make, from plain cut keys up to push button keys.
Which cars can we make a spare for?
Japanese, Korean and most American cars. That means Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Nissan and Subaru, Hyundai and Kia, and most Fords and Holdens.
We don’t make keys for European or Chinese cars, and the dealer is the place for those. We still unlock them, and we don’t damage your car. If it’s something we don’t do, or we’re not available when you call, we’ll always try to point you to someone who can help. Our car locksmith Perth page has the full list of car work.
What we need from you
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| Your licence and the rego papers | So we know the car is yours |
| The key you’ve got | It gives us something to copy |
| Make, model and year | Have them handy when you call |
Call 0427 580 823Spare car keys
One key and it’s already locked away
A customer with a 2015 Kia Cerato had the only key locked in the boot, and the boot release wasn’t working. We programmed a new remote into the car without the original key and used it to open the boot. Then we made a spare, because the customer only had the one. Our page on Kia keys has the rest. We’re based in Duncraig and do these jobs right across Perth.
Common questions
Is it bad to only have one car key?
It won’t hurt the car, but there’s nothing to fall back on. Lose it, snap it or lock it in the boot and the car stays put until a new key is made.
Should I buy a used car with only one key?
One key is no reason to walk away from a good car. Ask for the full set first, and if it isn’t there, plan on getting a spare made straight after you buy.
Does a WA dealer have to give me a spare key?
Not under the used car warranty. The Consumer Protection WA dealer guide covers the ignition key, remote and transponder, but says there is no obligation to provide spares. So ask for the second key before you sign.
Can you make a spare for a push button key?
Yes, for Japanese, Korean and most American cars. We program it to the car, and it works the same as the one you’ve got.
Can you come to my home or work to make it?
Yes. We make the key wherever the car is in Perth, so your driveway or the car park at work both suit.
What if I lose the only key before I get a spare?
Give us a ring anyway. For the cars we make keys for, we can make a new one from the car itself. It’s a bigger job than a spare, but the car doesn’t have to go anywhere.