Lost, replacement & spare keys
Understand what information WAC needs, how all-keys-lost jobs differ and why vehicle compatibility matters.
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Answers from WAC Automotive Solutions
Auto Locksmith & Vehicle Security Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about car keys, programming, vehicle lockouts and security from William “Bill” Church, the specialist behind WAC Automotive Solutions. The answers below are based on the services, equipment and credentials WAC actually provides.
10+ YearsAuto electronics experience
SERMIRegistered for eligible work
7 SystemsProfessional programming tools
£1MPublic liability cover
Useful answers, not generic filler
Find the Answer Before You Book
Each answer starts with the direct point first, then adds the detail that matters for the vehicle or service. Where a dedicated service page provides deeper information, it is linked naturally from the answer.
Modern diagnostic equipment
See why different vehicles can require different systems such as Smart Pro, Autel, Xhorse, ACDP and others.
Immobilisers, trackers & dash cams
Compare prevention, tracking and recording without treating every security product as the same solution.
FAQ category
About WAC Automotive Solutions
Straight answers about William Church, the business, credentials, insurance, SERMI registration and how WAC operates.
Who is WAC Automotive Solutions?
WAC Automotive Solutions LTD is a mobile auto locksmith and vehicle security business operated by William “Bill” Church. William personally handles the work booked through WAC, including car keys, vehicle entry, specialist programming and vehicle security installations. Learn more about William and WAC.
How much experience does William Church have?
William has confirmed more than 10 years of experience in auto electronics. His work ranges from everyday car-key and lockout jobs to more specialist all-keys-lost, programming and vehicle-security situations.
Is WAC Automotive Solutions SERMI registered?
Yes. William has confirmed that WAC is SERMI registered for eligible security-related vehicle work. SERMI provides approved independent operators with controlled access to security-related repair and maintenance information. Read the official SERMI UK information.
Is William DBS checked and insured?
Yes. William has confirmed that he is DBS checked and that WAC carries £1 million public liability insurance. These are part of the trust credentials WAC makes visible to customers.
Is WAC Automotive Solutions a registered company?
Yes. WAC Automotive Solutions LTD is an active private limited company, company number 16559709. Verify WAC on Companies House.
Does WAC have a workshop customers need to visit?
WAC operates as a mobile service. William attends suitable customer locations for supported auto locksmith and vehicle-security work rather than requiring customers to visit a traditional walk-in workshop.
FAQ category
Car Keys & Key Programming
Replacement keys, spare keys, lost-key situations, programming equipment, pricing factors and more complex all-keys-lost work.
Can WAC make a replacement car key if I have lost the original?
Yes, WAC takes on all-keys-lost work as well as replacement and additional-key jobs. The exact method depends on the vehicle make, model, year and security system. See Car Key Replacement for more detail.
What should I do if I have lost my only car key?
Keep the vehicle secure, avoid forcing entry and contact William with the vehicle make, model, year and your location. He can then assess the correct route for gaining access and producing a supported replacement key.
Can WAC program transponder keys, remote keys and key fobs?
Yes. WAC carries professional equipment for supported transponder, remote and key-fob programming. William uses multiple programming systems because different vehicles can require different methods. See Car Key Programming.
Which key-programming systems does WAC use?
William has confirmed that WAC uses ACDP, Smart Pro, Xhorse, Autel, OBDSTAR, Zed-FULL and AK90. Having several systems gives WAC more than one route for supported key and electronic-security jobs.
Can WAC handle difficult all-keys-lost situations?
Yes. William describes the work WAC takes on as ranging from gaining vehicle entry through to full EEPROM all-keys-lost situations. Whether a particular vehicle is supported depends on its system and condition.
Can WAC make a spare car key while I still have a working key?
Yes. Arranging a spare while a working key is still available is often simpler than waiting until every key has been lost. See Spare Car Keys.
Can a lost or stolen key be removed from the vehicle system?
On supported vehicles, key programming may allow old or missing keys to be removed or no longer authorised. The available procedure depends on the vehicle system, so William will confirm what is possible after identifying the make, model and year.
How much does a replacement car key cost?
There is no single price for every vehicle. Cost depends on the make, model, year, key type, whether any working key remains and the programming route required. Contact WAC with the vehicle details for a more accurate quote before work is agreed.
How long does car key replacement take?
The time varies by vehicle and job complexity. A straightforward additional key and a complex all-keys-lost electronic recovery are very different jobs, so WAC does not use one fixed completion-time claim for every vehicle.
FAQ category
Vehicle Lockouts, Locks & Ignition
What happens when you are locked out, a key breaks in a lock or ignition, or a key-related fault needs diagnosis.
Can WAC unlock my vehicle if the keys are locked inside?
Yes. WAC provides mobile Emergency Vehicle Unlocking for supported cars and vans. William assesses the vehicle and uses an appropriate entry method for the situation.
Will vehicle unlocking damage my car?
The aim is to use an appropriate non-destructive entry method wherever the vehicle and situation allow. The exact technique depends on the vehicle design and the reason access has been lost.
Can WAC remove a broken key from a lock or ignition?
WAC provides Broken Key Extraction for supported vehicle locks and ignition situations. The remaining key, lock and ignition should be assessed before deciding whether extraction, repair or replacement is required.
Can WAC repair or replace a faulty ignition?
WAC provides Ignition Repair & Replacement for supported vehicles. A key that will not turn or start the vehicle is not always a key-only problem, so diagnosis comes first.
Do I need to tow the vehicle if I have lost all the keys?
Not necessarily. Because WAC is mobile, many supported key and access jobs can be assessed at the vehicle location. Whether towing is required depends on the vehicle, fault and work that must be completed.
FAQ category
Vehicle Security, Ghost & Trackers
Answers about Autowatch Ghost, vehicle trackers, Thatcham S5/S7 categories, dash cams and fleet security.
Does WAC install Ghost immobilisers?
Yes. William has confirmed approved-installer status for Autowatch Ghost. A Ghost immobiliser is designed to require driver authorisation before the vehicle can be driven. See Ghost Immobiliser Installation or Autowatch’s official Ghost information.
What is the difference between an immobiliser and a tracker?
An immobiliser is intended to prevent unauthorised vehicle use, while a tracker is designed to help monitor or locate the vehicle. Some customers choose layered protection using both, depending on the vehicle and risk.
What are S5 and S7 vehicle trackers?
Thatcham Research lists S5 as Vehicle Tracking Systems and S7 as Asset Location Systems. If your insurer has specified a category, send that requirement to William before booking. View Thatcham Security Certification.
Does a Thatcham-certified tracker automatically guarantee insurance acceptance?
No. Thatcham Research states that certification does not automatically guarantee insurer recognition; that is handled between manufacturers and insurance partners. Always confirm your insurer’s exact requirement before installation.
Which vehicle security brands does William install?
William has confirmed approved-installer relationships covering Autowatch Ghost, Ecotrak, Meta Trak and Scorpion. The most appropriate system depends on the vehicle, how it is used and any insurer requirement.
Does WAC install dash cameras?
Yes. WAC provides Dash Cam Installation, and William has identified Thinkware and Road Angel among the systems he works with.
Does WAC provide security for vans and fleets?
Yes. William has confirmed work across cars, vans and fleet vehicles, including fleet tracking, dash-camera and vehicle-security installations where suitable.
How do I know whether a Ghost immobiliser is compatible with my vehicle?
Compatibility depends on the vehicle make, model, year and electronic architecture. You can ask WAC to check the vehicle details or use the official Autowatch Ghost compatibility checker.
FAQ category
Coverage, Quotes & Booking
Where WAC works, what to send for a quote and how to contact William directly.
What is WAC’s main service area?
The website’s primary local target is Shrewsbury. WAC also serves surrounding parts of Shropshire, Powys and the West Midlands. Visit the Areas We Cover page for the current location list.
Does WAC cover Telford, Oswestry, Welshpool and Newtown?
What details should I send when asking for a quote?
Send the vehicle make, model, year, your town or postcode, whether a working key remains and what has happened. For tracker or security work, also include any system or insurer requirement you already know.
Can I speak directly with the person who will carry out the work?
Yes. William operates WAC himself, so customers can contact the business directly rather than being routed through an anonymous national call centre. Call 07356 240424 or use the Contact WAC page.
Does WAC advertise remapping, DPF or AdBlue services on this website?
No. This website is focused on WAC’s auto locksmith and vehicle security services. For the current services promoted online, use the Services page.
Mobile coverage
Auto Locksmith Questions Around Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is WAC’s primary local target. Dedicated location pages provide more specific information for surrounding towns rather than repeating the same local copy inside every FAQ.
Still need an answer?
Speak Directly With William About Your Vehicle
Send the make, model, year, location and a short description of the problem so WAC can assess the next step.