Losing your only car key is a highly stressful event, but an auto locksmith can often come to you and make a new one on site. The cost to replace the key can range from as low as £25 to well over £200 depending on your vehicle, and the job can frequently be completed the same day. While many drivers assume they must tow their car to a dealer, a mobile auto locksmith is usually a faster and more practical option.
Check it is really lost and do not panic
Before you start calling for quotes, take a moment to pause and search thoroughly. Retrace your steps over the last 24 hours and check coats, bags, drawers and any places where a key might have been put down in a hurry. Look around the vehicle itself and check the ground in case the key was dropped nearby.
If your car is locked and you can see the key sitting on the passenger seat, the problem is much simpler and cheaper to solve. An auto locksmith can open the door using non-destructive entry methods, such as picking or bypassing the lock, to retrieve your original key. This costs far less than cutting and programming a completely new replacement.
Do not attempt to force the door, smash a window or break into your own car. Causing damage can leave you with a repair bill on top of the cost of getting a new key. Once you are certain the key is gone and you have no spare, you can start gathering the information required for a replacement.
What you need to prove the car is yours
No reputable professional will cut a new car key without checking that you actually own the vehicle. The industry is careful to prevent vehicle theft, so you will need to gather a few specific details and documents before anyone can help you.
You must provide the exact make, model and registration number of your car. Alongside this, you will need the vehicle identification number, which is widely known as the VIN. This unique code identifies your specific car and is essential for ordering or cutting the correct key profile. You can find the vehicle identification number on your V5C logbook.
To confirm your identity and ownership, prepare the following documents:
- A form of proof of identity showing your name, photo and address, such as a UK driving licence.
- Proof of ownership documents for the specific vehicle.
- A V5C logbook with your name and address on it, which is usually accepted as proof.
Having these documents ready will speed up the process considerably. If your V5C logbook is locked inside the car, tell the locksmith when you call. Ask whether they can get you into the car first so you can retrieve the paperwork.
Your options for a replacement key
When you have no keys at all, you have three main routes to get a replacement. Each option has different costs and waiting times, so it is important to understand how they work.
- Hire an auto locksmith who offers a mobile service and can do the work on site.
- Order a replacement key through your vehicle main dealer.
- Use your vehicle breakdown cover if your policy includes key assist.
Many auto locksmiths operate a mobile service, with keys and programming equipment carried in the van. This means they travel to your home, workplace or the roadside. Using an auto locksmith approved by the Master Locksmiths Association means dealing with a vetted company. Approved companies have criminal record checks, employ locksmiths who have passed the trade exam, and are inspected regularly.
A main dealer can supply a new key, but dealer keys do not often come cheaply or quickly. Carwow says dealer keys do not often come cheaply or quickly, so ask how long it will take and whether the car has to be brought to them. Read more about choosing an auto locksmith or main dealer for replacement car keys to understand the differences.
Some breakdown policies cover lost key replacement, often as part of more costly premium products or as an optional add-on you selected when you bought the policy. Check your policy wording carefully to see exactly what is included.
How a new key is made without the old one
Many drivers assume that losing the only key means the car's door locks must be changed or the ignition barrel replaced. This is rarely true. Auto locksmiths can replace lost car keys by using your vehicle identification number and proof of identity to make and program a new key.
Most cars built after 1995 have transponder chips housed inside the plastic head of the key. These chips are programmed to communicate with a specific car. When you turn the key or press the start button, the car's immobiliser system reads the chip. The car will not start without the chip, even if the metal blade turns perfectly in the lock.
Because you do not have the original key to copy, the locksmith will usually supply a generic blank that can be programmed for your car. Without the original key, a new key can be programmed using your vehicle identification number and proof of identity.
What it costs to replace your only car key
The price of a replacement car key varies widely and it is important to be careful when comparing quotes. The Master Locksmiths Association states that the cost to replace the key can range from as low as £25 to well over £200. The total you pay depends on the vehicle's make, model and age, which dictates the type of immobiliser system fitted.
The type of key also matters greatly. A basic manual key costs far less than a modern remote or smart key. Local auto locksmiths are most likely cheaper than your dealer. To give you an idea of the difference, typical published prices from early 2023 show how the costs compare across different providers.
This table shows example costs from a January 2023 article that itself warns its prices may be outdated.
|
Provider type |
Typical cost range |
|---|---|
|
Mobile auto locksmith |
£80 to £200+ |
|
Independent garage |
£120 to £250 |
|
Main dealer |
£160 to £600+ |
These are examples from early 2023, and prices differ by car, key type and when you need the work done.
The same article gave an average replacement cost of around £300. It put mobile locksmiths at from £80 for a basic manual key and £135 to £200+ for remote or smart keys.
The day and time you need the service will also affect the price. Evening, night, weekend and bank holiday call-outs cost more than a weekday daytime appointment. Ask the locksmith for an all keys lost total price before they travel to you. Check whether a call-out charge applies, what it covers, and ensure the quote includes VAT and the parts. The Master Locksmiths Association advises getting at least three quotes so you can compare prices in your local area.
What to do if the key was stolen
Losing a key is an inconvenience, but a stolen key is a serious security risk. If you suspect your key was stolen, or if it went missing along with documents that show your home address, you must act to protect the vehicle. Tell the auto locksmith immediately that the key may be in the wrong hands.
Locks usually do not need changing on modern vehicles because the lost keys can be programmed out. The MLA says a lost key can be programmed out of the vehicle's system, so anyone else cannot use it to start the engine. Ask the locksmith to do this.
If you believe a crime has taken place, you should also consider telling the police and obtaining a crime reference number. Having the missing key deprogrammed means it should no longer start the car.
Does insurance or breakdown cover help?
Paying for a brand new key and programming from your own pocket can be expensive, so it is worth checking your existing policies. Some car insurance policies cover lost keys, but this is usually offered as an add-on rather than standard cover. Upgraded policies might include it automatically.
One article says lost key cover often works out much cheaper than paying the full price yourself, but a claim may affect your no claims discount. Check your policy wording.
Breakdown cover is another avenue to explore. Some breakdown policies cover lost key replacement, but again, this is often found in more costly premium products or as an optional add-on. If your breakdown cover includes key help, ask what it covers and any limit.
How long it takes to get a new key
When you are stranded without a car, speed is vital. A replacement can often be done the same day by a mobile auto locksmith. The exact time it takes depends on the key type, your car model, and whether the locksmith has the correct generic blank in stock in their van.
However, same day service is not guaranteed for every vehicle. Some keys need a blank to be ordered, which could take a week or more. Carwow says dealer keys do not often come cheaply or quickly.
Avoiding the problem next time
Once you have your new key and the car is running again, the most sensible step is to prevent this situation from repeating. Relying on a single car key is always a risk. Having a spare made while you still have a working key is usually simpler than an all keys lost job, but ask for a price.
Keep the spare key in a safe place at home, well away from the front door.
If you have a modern smart key that allows keyless entry, keep your spare in a signal blocking pouch to protect against relay attacks. You can read more about keyless car theft and how to protect your car on the driveway. Arranging a spare now can save you a lot of stress if your main key ever goes missing again.
Common questions
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Yes, an auto locksmith can create a new key without the original. They use your vehicle identification number and proof of identity to confirm the car and the owner.
Do I have to tow my car to the dealership?
No, you do not have to use a dealer. Many auto locksmiths run a mobile service and will come to your home or the roadside. They carry the necessary key blanks and diagnostic equipment in their van, saving you the cost and hassle of a tow.
Will my car need new locks if the key is lost?
Locks usually do not need changing on modern vehicles. A locksmith can simply program the lost key out of the car's system. This means that even if someone finds your old key, they will not be able to start the engine.
Can I start my car if the key has no chip?
No, you cannot start a modern car without a programmed transponder chip. Most cars made after 1995 have immobiliser systems that require the chip to be present and correctly paired with the car's computer before the engine will fire.
Your next steps
Losing your only car key is disruptive, but knowing what to do next will help you get back on the road quickly and at a fair price. Follow these steps to resolve the problem:
- Search thoroughly one last time to confirm the key is definitely lost.
- Locate your V5C logbook to find your vehicle identification number.
- Gather photo ID showing your name and address, and proof of ownership such as the V5C.
- Check your car insurance and breakdown policies to see if you have lost key cover.
- Contact at least three local auto locksmiths to compare prices.
- Ask for an all keys lost total price, including VAT and call-out charges.
- Tell the locksmith immediately if you suspect the key was stolen.
Getting three local quotes is the best way to ensure you pay a reasonable price and understand exactly what is included. You can use our directory to find a locksmith near you, although you will need an auto locksmith for this job.
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