- 8 The Old Mill Norwich Road, Hoveton, Norwich, England, NR12 8DA
- info@phoenixcarkeys.co.uk
- 03330065210
Phoenix Car Keys Ltd, Company number: 15609407, Registered in England
Fiat cars have carved out their place on UK roads. Whether it’s a tiny Fiat 500, a sturdy Doblo, or a Ducato packed with gear they’re practical, easy to live with, and not too heavy on the wallet.
Still, losing your key (or having it stop working) can throw off your whole day. It happens more than you’d think. Keys fall out of pockets, end up in the wash, or just stop sending a signal one morning.
The good news? You’re not stuck. There are simple ways to sort it often faster and cheaper than the dealership would have you believe.
You see the 500 everywhere. It’s a city car that fits just about anywhere and sips fuel like a pro. But when the key goes missing? Not so cute anymore.
Earlier versions used basic transponder keys. Nothing fancy just a chip inside to talk to the car. Later models brought in flip keys with remote buttons. Some now even have smart fobs that unlock the doors without touching the key.
If you’ve lost yours or only have one left, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later. Waiting until you’re stranded somewhere isn’t ideal.
Auto locksmiths can usually help the same day. Many offer mobile service they’ll come to your car, cut a new key, and get it programmed then and there. No tow truck. No fuss.
The Ducato is a workhorse. Vans like this don’t stop unless something’s really wrong and a missing key definitely counts.
Over the years, Fiat’s added more security to these keys. Most newer Ducatos use a remote fob, with built-in buttons for locking and unlocking. Some models have a high-security chip inside too. There’s often a plain backup key, just in case.
Let’s talk numbers. The Fiat Ducato key fob replacement cost at a dealer? Expect something in the £250–£400 range. You’ll likely wait a few days, and might need to tow the van in.
Local locksmiths? Usually around £150–£250. And they’ll often come to you. If you use the van for work, that alone can save you money just by avoiding downtime.
Just one thing to remember: if your Ducato’s been converted to a camper or has aftermarket alarms, it’s worth mentioning upfront. It could affect the programming process.
Even though Fiat stopped making the Punto a few years ago, loads of them are still around. They’re reliable, simple, and cheap to run which makes losing the only key all the more annoying.
Depending on the year, your Punto might’ve come with:
Older keys tend to wear out. Sometimes it’s not even the electronics just a broken case or faulty button. Either way, most of the time you don’t need to go through Fiat to fix it.
A mobile locksmith can cut a new key, even if you’ve got no spare. All you’ll need is your logbook (V5C) and proof of ID. The whole thing usually takes under an hour, and you’ll be back on the road the same day.
The Doblo is another solid all-rounder delivery drivers, tradespeople, even some families rely on them. When the key fails or disappears, it’s more than a nuisance it messes with your whole schedule.
Most Doblos have remote fobs now. Older ones used simpler keys, but almost all have some form of transponder chip. Lose the chip, and you’re not starting that engine.
New keys can be programmed on-site. If you’re locked out, some locksmiths can even get you back in without damage. And if it’s just the battery or casing? You might not need a full replacement at all.
Either way, getting a second key cut before things go wrong is a smart move.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve lost your fob, it’s not working, or you’ve just realised you only have one key it’s something to sort before it gets worse.
At Phoenix Car Keys, we deal with this every day. We replace Fiat keys across the UK all models, all types. Whether it’s a Fiat 500, Ducato, Doblo or Punto, we’ve got the tools and know-how to get it done.
Here’s what you can expect:
Lost key? Faulty fob? We’ve got you. One quick call, and you’re on your way again.