Around ten per cent of UK motorists could face a very costly lock-out were they to lose their car keys - as they don't have a spare set to fall back on, a new report has revealed.

Research from Britannia Rescue reveals that around three million people in the UK don't have a spare set hanging around - even though the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys is about four times what it was a decade ago, as manufacturers develop ever more advanced locking systems.

An average set of car keys costs around £200 to design, create and programme, although some or more expensive than others. A Nissan Micra owner would have to fork out £326 for a new set, while a Ford Focus driver would face a bill of £266.

"Accessing vehicles built since 1998 is generally more time-consuming and expensive for drivers due to the introduction of increasingly sophisticated alarms, immobilisers, and shielded locks," Martin Milliner at Britannia Rescue commented.

"The cost of getting back behind the wheel could really rocket if work is needed on the ignition or security system as well, but one clear way of avoiding this issue is to look after your spare key and keep it in a sensible place."

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