Vehicle Unlocking
Keys locked inside or normal access unavailable? We use professional entry methods and aim for non-destructive access wherever the vehicle design and fault allow.
Vehicle unlocking in Corby →24/7 Car Key & Lockout Help
AutoKeyChase is a family-run mobile auto locksmith based in Corby, Northamptonshire, available 24/7 for lost car keys, replacement keys, vehicle lockouts, spare keys and key programming. Car key services start from £90 where applicable, with typical response times of 30–60 minutes across Corby and nearby areas.
We normally do not charge a call-out fee; a charge may apply where a vehicle fault affects the work being carried out. Tell us the vehicle make, model, year, registration and what has happened so we can advise on the appropriate service route.


Car key problems rarely happen at a convenient time. You may have locked the keys inside the car, lost the only key, snapped a blade, damaged a remote, or found that the vehicle no longer recognises the key. AutoKeyChase provides mobile help across Corby so the problem can often be dealt with where the vehicle is, without arranging dealer recovery first.
Our work covers cars, vans and trucks, from straightforward entry and spare-key jobs to vehicle-specific programming, steering-lock faults and advanced diagnostic work. If the vehicle is in Corby or within our surrounding service area, call with the make, model, year, registration and the problem you are experiencing and we can advise on the next step.
AutoKeyChase provides mobile help for common car-key and vehicle-lock faults in Corby. The correct route depends on the vehicle, key system and what has actually failed.
Keys locked inside or normal access unavailable? We use professional entry methods and aim for non-destructive access wherever the vehicle design and fault allow.
Vehicle unlocking in Corby →If no working key remains, we can assess the cutting, programming and diagnostic route needed at the vehicle for the specific key system.
Lost car key help →Replacement keys can be cut and programmed for many makes and models without relying on a main-dealer recovery and appointment process.
Car key replacement →Creating a spare while a working key still exists is usually simpler and less disruptive than solving an all-keys-lost situation later.
Spare car keys →We can assess broken blades, damaged shells, remote faults and related key problems before recommending repair or replacement.
Broken key repairs →Programming, immobiliser or vehicle-side faults may need diagnostic work before the correct repair route is clear.
Car key programming →Where the fault sits in the steering-lock or ignition system, the job may require diagnosis, repair or replacement rather than a new key alone.
Steering lock services →A car-key quote depends on the vehicle rather than one flat price. AutoKeyChase gives job-specific pricing based on what the vehicle and key system actually require.
The make, model, year, key type, whether any working key remains, the programming method and the fault on the vehicle can all change what is required. That is why a genuine quote needs the vehicle details rather than an advertised price that only applies to a narrow set of jobs.
AutoKeyChase normally does not charge a call-out fee. If a vehicle-side fault affects the work being carried out, a charge may apply; any additional work should be explained before it proceeds.
Using an independent automotive locksmith can also avoid the recovery and appointment process that may be involved with a main dealer. The actual cost difference varies by vehicle and job, so we prefer a vehicle-specific quote rather than headline savings claims that may not apply to your car.

AutoKeyChase is not a lead-generation name placed over a national call centre. It is a family-run automotive locksmith business founded by Hannah and John Middleton in September 2018 and now based in Corby, Northamptonshire. Hannah grew up around the trade through her locksmith father, and that background developed into hands-on work with modern car keys, immobiliser systems, programming equipment and vehicle-specific diagnostics.
According to Northampton Chronicle & Echo, AutoKeyChase had completed more than 3,000 jobs in Northamptonshire after relocating to the county from London. The same profile reported Hannah as a finalist in the National Locksmith Awards. That public record sits alongside the business’s Google customer feedback and the practical locksmith work AutoKeyChase publishes online.
Modern vehicle keys are not simply pieces of cut metal. Many jobs involve transponders, remotes, immobiliser systems, modules and vehicle-specific programming procedures. AutoKeyChase uses a broad set of professional tools so the approach can be matched to the vehicle rather than forcing every job through one platform.
The exact equipment used depends on the vehicle and task. This is particularly useful where key data, modules or immobiliser systems require a more advanced diagnostic route.
Equipment names describe tools used by AutoKeyChase and do not imply manufacturer endorsement or affiliation.
Real vehicle work provides stronger proof than stock imagery. These examples show different types of key replacement, spare-key and programming work handled by AutoKeyChase. Exact procedures, pricing and timings vary by vehicle.

An all-keys-lost situation leaves no working key to copy. This Hyundai i20 is a genuine AutoKeyChase job showing the type of vehicle-key work handled when every usable key is missing. The correct cutting and programming route depends on the vehicle system, so make, model, year and registration details matter when quoting.
Lost car key service →
This BMW 120d job involved providing a spare key. A working backup can reduce disruption if the everyday key is later lost, damaged or stops working. BMW key work varies by vehicle generation and security system, so AutoKeyChase assesses the vehicle before confirming the correct route.
Spare car key service →
This MINI job involved EWS4 key programming, showing why modern auto locksmith work can require more than cutting a blade. Vehicle-specific immobiliser and key data determine the programming approach, with suitable diagnostic and programming equipment selected for the system.
Car key programming →
A replacement car key was required for this Citroën. AutoKeyChase handles replacement-key work across a wide range of makes and models, with the required cutting and programming steps depending on the vehicle and key type rather than one fixed process for every car.
Car key replacement →AutoKeyChase covers all makes and models, including cars, vans and trucks, while having deeper day-to-day experience with a number of vehicle groups and security systems.
Specialist experience includes Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Škoda vehicles, along with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MG, LDV and SAIC, Ford, Polestar and Volvo. Different manufacturers can use very different key, immobiliser and module systems, so the useful question is not simply whether a badge is “covered” but what the particular vehicle needs for replacement, programming, diagnostics or an all-keys-lost situation.
Our dedicated brand pages focus on makes where there is enough real vehicle-specific value to explain common key systems, model coverage and the types of faults AutoKeyChase regularly encounters. Other manufacturers remain covered through the main Car Brands hub rather than creating a thin page for every badge.
Corby is AutoKeyChase’s primary base and the strongest local focus of this website. Mobile car-key work means the service comes to the vehicle, whether the problem is lost keys, a lockout, a replacement key, programming or another supported automotive locksmith fault. When you contact us, the vehicle details and exact location help us confirm the most appropriate service route and current availability.
AutoKeyChase also takes jobs across surrounding Northamptonshire towns and smaller villages, generally within roughly a 35-mile radius depending on the work and availability. Priority nearby coverage includes Kettering, Wellingborough, Northampton and Rothwell, alongside Weldon, Gretton, Rockingham, Geddington, Rushton and Thrapston.
Typical response times are around 30–60 minutes, but the actual arrival time depends on distance, traffic and jobs already in progress. Customers in smaller villages should provide the exact location when calling or messaging so travel time can be assessed accurately rather than relying on a generic “near me” estimate.
Customers do not have to rely only on marketing copy to understand the level of work behind AutoKeyChase. The business publishes real automotive locksmith jobs and technical tutorials showing vehicle-specific key programming, all-keys-lost work, steering-lock faults and other practical situations.
The examples below give useful written context even if you do not play the video. They also show why modern auto locksmith work often involves vehicle-specific programming and diagnostics rather than simply cutting a replacement blade.
This video follows a Citroën C1 all-keys-lost job and shows the practical process AutoKeyChase goes through when there is no working key available, including the vehicle-specific programming work required to restore a usable key.
Watch the Citroën job →A BMW all-keys-lost programming example demonstrating why the correct programming route depends on the vehicle’s security system. It is a useful look at the type of brand-specific knowledge required beyond ordinary key cutting.
Watch the BMW programming video →This Mercedes W204 example covers a failed steering lock, showing the diagnostic and repair context around a fault where replacing or programming a key alone would not address the actual problem on the vehicle.
Watch the Mercedes steering-lock video →Read recent customer feedback from people who have used AutoKeyChase for vehicle key and automotive locksmith work. The live review feed below is pulled from Google through Trustindex, with a direct route to the AutoKeyChase Google profile for more feedback.
EXCELLENT Based on 21 reviews Posted on Google Karen FaulknerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So impressed with this company today .I'd tried everywhere to get an auto lock smith out couldn't get one then this company was recommended.. excellent service ..so helpful..friendly would recommend mend to anyone needing a car keys ...can't praise them enough .thanks so muchPosted on Google Charlotte-Emily GayneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely lovely lady who helped my aunt out when Timpsons lost the transponder on her car key, she was so quick, gave us excellent customer service and went above and beyond to get my aunt on her way, I would recommend her to anyone that needs their key sorting out!!Posted on Google Naomi GibbonsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely brilliant service, she was quick, informative and went above and beyond to ensure my car key problem was sorted , fantastic servicePosted on Google David SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and very helpful. I would highly recommend.Posted on Google Oke OladimejiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Helpful. Brilliant and very very hardworking! Thank you for coming right away after calling and helping me replace my car keys. Highly recommended!Posted on Google Lee TURNERTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Literally first class service. After a nightmare leaving key in car, Hannah went out way to test the key and check for any problems or fault with it. Got the key working for now and gave advice to replace soon. Definitely a life saverPosted on Google garcia GarciaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. She is a genuine person,I was really impressed,I had problem with the ignition barrel ,she came and fixed it .she is really good honestlyPosted on Google Lewis PucillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Turned up, cut and programmed 2 keys both working faultlessly within 2 hours. Spot in service!Posted on Google emma hicksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really helpful and explained everything clearly. Came out early in the morning. Quickly gained access to the vehicle and sorted the problem. Thanks so muchPosted on Google Sam ShirleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Honest, decent and really helpful. The car has been left in perfect condition, the key is flawless. Attended at a weekend and time that suited me. I cannot rate highly enough. Extremely genuine lady and affordable against the rest of the quotes.
If a key has been stolen, or you do not know who may have it, replacing the physical key may not be the whole job. On supported vehicles, the missing key can often be deleted from the vehicle’s authorised-key memory so it no longer operates the car in the same way. AutoKeyChase can advise whether key deletion or reprogramming is appropriate for your vehicle.
For keyless vehicles, UK police guidance also recommends keeping keys away from doors and windows, using a screened or signal-blocking pouch and checking that the pouch continues to block the signal. Vehicle-specific security settings should be checked in the owner’s manual or with the manufacturer.
AutoKeyChase’s practical experience is also used to train other locksmiths. Hannah shares technical knowledge through hands-on training and a public YouTube channel used by locksmiths in the UK and overseas. If you are here specifically to learn the trade rather than book a local locksmith, the training area explains the available courses and learning content.
These answers cover common service, vehicle and coverage questions without repeating the dedicated pricing section above.
Whether you have lost every key, locked the keys inside the vehicle, need a replacement or spare key, or the vehicle is no longer recognising the key, AutoKeyChase provides mobile automotive locksmith help across Corby and surrounding areas. Typical response times are around 30–60 minutes depending on location, traffic and availability.