Car key snapped or broken? What to do

Where’s the car?

We show you the locksmiths for broken key extraction who cover that spot.

or tap the map where the car is

If only the case or loop has broken, a new shell and your old chip fix it cheaply. If the blade snapped in the door or ignition, don’t try to drive or force it: an auto locksmith can extract it and cut a new key.

Updated 2 November 2026.

Find a locksmith near you What to do, in order

What to do, in order

4 steps. Try them in this order; the last one is when to call someone.

See what broke
A cracked case or broken loop is a cheap shell swap. A snapped blade needs extraction and usually a new key.
Leave a snapped piece where it is
Pushing at it drives it deeper. Don’t use glue: it ruins the lock.
Use the spare to get home
If the piece is in the door, the spare may still work in the ignition, or the other way round.
Get it extracted and replaced
An auto locksmith removes the piece without damaging the lock and cuts and programs a new key.

What it costs

How to get a fair price for broken key extraction.

Get the price before they set off

It depends on the car, the key and the time of day, so most local locksmiths don’t publish prices.
Ask for the full price, call-out included, when you call or message, and only agree once you have it.
Where a locksmith publishes their own prices, we show them on their card, and on their profile with a link to their page.

Services that fix it

The service for this, and what it can turn out to need.

Find a verified locksmith near you

Pick your town to see who covers it for broken key extraction, and ask them for a price.

Questions

Can I reuse the chip from the broken key?

Often yes. The chip moves into a new case, so the car doesn’t need reprogramming.

How much is broken key extraction?

Ask for the price of getting the piece out before they come; a new key, if needed, is extra.