Why You Shouldn’t Trust Generic Online Car Keys

In an effort to save money, many drivers turn to online marketplaces to order spare or replacement car keys. The promise of a quick fix at half the price of a dealership or locksmith can be tempting, but it’s not without risk.

At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we regularly receive calls from customers who’ve ordered generic car keys online, only to find they don’t work, can’t be programmed, or worse, cause faults in the vehicle’s immobiliser system.

Here’s why buying generic online car keys isn’t always the bargain it appears to be.

1. Not All Keys Are Compatible

Vehicle keys are not universal. Even two identical looking fobs may contain different chips, circuitry, or encryption systems depending on the model year or engine configuration.

We’ve seen examples where customers bought “compatible” keys online, only to discover the internal chip was the wrong frequency — making programming impossible.

Result: Key won’t start the car, or won’t even program.

2. Risk of Faulty or Damaged Components

Generic keys, especially those from unverified sellers, may be poorly manufactured or arrive with damage from transport. Internal components like transponder chips or soldered connections can be loose or defective.

Result: You could spend time and money attempting to program a key that was never going to work in the first place.

3. Lack of Programming Support

Buying online typically gives you just the key, not the programming. Unless you own a professional diagnostic tool capable of coding to your ECU, the key won’t function.

Even with some mobile programmers, a mismatched or locked chip can brick the process.

Result: You still have to pay a locksmith, often to remove the faulty key and start again.

4. Security Vulnerabilities

Many cheap generic keys lack the advanced encryption of genuine or OEM-compatible replacements. Some may even be clone ready fobs reused from older vehicles.

Result: Lower security, risk of signal theft, or interference with your immobiliser system.

5. Hidden Costs and Delays

When a cheap key fails, the delays and added labour costs can quickly add up, not to mention the potential inconvenience of being stuck without a working spare.

Result: A simple spare key job becomes a costly and time-consuming repair.

The Safer Alternative: Use a Trusted Locksmith

At Rush Auto Locksmiths, we supply and program keys designed to match your exact vehicle spec. We use verified OEM and high-quality aftermarket keys that:

• Are fully tested before programming

• Integrate with your ECU and immobiliser correctly

• Come with a working warranty

• Are programmed by experienced auto locksmiths using advanced tools

Need a Spare or Replacement? We’re Ready to Help.

Whether you’ve lost all keys or just want to avoid future headaches, we can help. Our mobile service comes to you, fully equipped to cut, code, and test working keys for most vehicle makes and models.

We operate 24/7, 365 days a year — even in tough weather conditions. We’ll get you sorted, quickly and professionally.

Call Rush Auto Locksmiths on 07482 546011
or visit rushautolocksmiths.co.uk to book your spare key appointment today.

BMW X1 spare key