Question 1

Can I have a key copy made at a cobbler?

Accepted Answer

For the mechanical part (the blade), yes — a well-equipped cobbler can reproduce your key's profile. But for the key to start the vehicle, its immobilizer transponder must be coded with your car's anti-theft ECU — which no cobbler does. Without electronic coding, the key will open the door (if mechanical blade) but will block the immobilizer at startup. This coding step is precisely what we perform at Incarline, in addition to the mechanical reproduction.

Question 2

Do I absolutely need to bring my vehicle and original key?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both are essential for this service. The original key serves as a "master key" to authorize the addition of a new key to the vehicle's list of valid keys. The vehicle must be present so we can connect to its anti-theft ECU (UCH, BSI, EZS depending on brand) via diagnostic tool. Expect 30 to 45 minutes of immobilization at our workshop. If you no longer have a functional original key, consult our Lost Key service.

Question 3

How much does the reproduction cost on average?

Accepted Answer

The price mainly depends on the type of key and vehicle. For a simple transponder key (without remote) on entry/mid-range vehicles: €89 to €129. For a high-end vehicle (Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class): €129 to €189. For a premium vehicle (Audi Q7, BMW X5, S-Class, Range Rover): €149 to €249. These prices include the blank key (shell + blade + transponder) and coding. Send us your model for a precise quote within 24h.

Question 4

Can multiple additional keys be made at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's even recommended to save on intervention time. Most vehicles accept 4 to 8 keys coded simultaneously in their anti-theft ECU. We offer a sliding scale from 2 keys: expect about -20% on the second coded key in the same session. This is particularly relevant for family vehicles where multiple drivers use the car, or to anticipate future key loss.

Question 5

Will the new key have the same remote as the old one?

Accepted Answer

For this simple reproduction service, the provided blank key is a transponder key without remote (or with remote depending on the original model). If your original key includes a central locking remote, electric windows, or trunk opening, then the reproduced key will have the same — but the price and procedure are different: see our Remote Key service (starting from €149). Specify during the quote request if your key is with or without remote.

Question 6

What documents do you require?

Accepted Answer

We systematically require: (1) the vehicle's valid registration certificate, (2) an ID of the registration certificate holder (ID card or passport). If you are not the holder (company vehicle, spouse, parent), a written authorization + copy of the holder's ID are also required. This verification is non-negotiable — it legally binds us and prevents fraudulent use of a vehicle (theft, illicit resale).

Question 7

My key has a visible transponder chip, is that what you code?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily visible — the transponder chip is a small ceramic cylinder (1 cm × 4 mm) integrated into the head of your key, often invisible from the outside. It is detected by an antenna located around the ignition switch (or in the steering wheel for Keyless starts). When you start, this antenna reads the transponder's unique code which is verified by the anti-theft ECU. Our coding involves registering the new key's transponder code in the vehicle's list of authorized codes.

Question 8

Can a classic car key be reproduced?

Accepted Answer

For classic vehicles without electronic immobilizer (prior to around 1995), a simple mechanical reproduction suffices — you can have it done at a specialized auto cobbler. For classic vehicles with immobilizer (years 1995-2005), we generally handle the reproduction but on quote (some old transponders are no longer easily found as new parts, requiring specialized suppliers). Send us your exact model and year, we will assess feasibility within 48h.

Car Key Reproduction — Copy with Original Key

Interested in this service?

Car Key Reproduction — Copy with Functional Original Key

What the reproduction includes

Supported brands and models

Indicative prices (simple transponder key)

Why is the original key necessary?

Procedure of the intervention

Why choose Incarline?

Recognised expertise

1-year warranty

48-72h turnaround

Frequently asked questions