What happens if you lose all your car keys?

Before you call anyone

• Check the obvious places properly, including coat pockets, bags and anywhere you paid for something.
• Ask whether a second key exists with a partner, family member or previous owner — it is the fastest solution if it does.
• Find your V5C or other proof of entitlement, and some photo ID.
• Note the registration, make, model and approximate year, and where the vehicle is parked.

How the job proceeds

The vehicle is identified from the registration so the correct key and procedure are known. Entitlement is then confirmed — no reputable specialist will skip this, and it exists to protect you.

Once that is done you get a fixed price, and an appointment. A technician attends the vehicle, supplies the correct key and programs it. Where the vehicle allows it, lost keys can be removed from the system so they no longer start the car.

Why some vehicles are harder

Security platforms differ. Some vehicles are routine once entitlement is established; on others the procedure is longer, and a small number of newer models can only be completed through the manufacturer or a franchised dealer.

A specialist should tell you which category your car falls into before you commit to anything. We do not publish how vehicle security is accessed, and you should be wary of anyone who does.

Afterwards

Once you are mobile again, get a second key programmed. Most all-keys-lost jobs we attend are on vehicles that had been running on one key for years.