Both can programme a new key for your car. Both use similar software. So how do you choose? This comparison walks through the genuine differences in process, capability, warranty, and when each is the right answer for your specific situation.
Independent specialist who comes to your driveway, workplace, or wherever the car is. Dealer-grade equipment, lower overheads, faster booking.
Franchise dealership workshop. Manufacturer-direct relationship, OEM-only parts, full brand environment. Higher cost, slower booking.
Mobile Locksmith comes out ahead in these scenarios — straight talk about when this is the answer.
For routine spare key work on any car older than 12 months, mobile is faster, cheaper, equally capable. No upside to going to the dealer.
Mobile response is hours, dealer is weeks. When you can't drive the car, mobile is the obvious answer.
Dealers prioritise newer cars under warranty. For a 5-15 year old car, mobile specialists give the same level of attention regardless of age.
Cat S/Cat N rebuilds need keys + ECU + module work. Mobile specialists handle the whole job in one visit; dealers often split it across departments.
Main Dealer comes out ahead in these scenarios — honest about where it has the edge.
Honest call: FBS4 requires dealer-server access we don't have, and no UK independent does. The dealer is the only option.
If the fault should be a warranty claim, the dealer handles it free. Don't pay independent rates for warranty work.
Recalls are covered free by dealers. Even if it overlaps with work an independent could do, the recall route is free to the customer.
For some brand-new model launches, the dealer's OEM-direct tooling is ahead of aftermarket by 6-12 months. The independent catches up; for now the dealer wins.
For most car key and electronics work, a mobile specialist delivers dealer-equivalent technical work at a fraction of the cost, on your schedule, on your driveway. For a small set of specific cases (FBS4, brand-new cars, recalls, encrypted functions), the dealer is the right call. Choose based on the specific job, not on which option sounds more reassuring.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Send your registration and a brief description — we'll tell you straight whether independent or dealer is the right fit for your specific job. No upselling, no padding.
Send your registration and we'll confirm exactly what's involved — fixed price, no surprises. Most quotes back within minutes, 7 days a week.