Losing your car keys is one of those situations that starts with mild inconvenience and can rapidly escalate into a significant expense if you make the wrong call. The good news: it's almost always fixable, usually faster than you think, and nearly always cheaper than whatever your dealer would charge.
Here's the right sequence of steps.
Check the Obvious Places
Before calling anyone, do a systematic search: all jacket pockets, bags, surfaces at home, the car itself (check under seats), and any recent locations. Keys have a habit of turning up in places you didn't expect them. Ask anyone who was with you.
Check Whether You Have a Spare
If you have a spare key somewhere, now's the time to use it. If you do have a spare, you can still get into the car and deal with the lost key at leisure — and getting a replacement is simpler and cheaper when you have a working key to programme alongside.
If Stolen — Report to Police First
If you believe the keys were stolen rather than lost, report it to the police immediately and get a crime reference number. You'll need this for your insurer. Once reported, call an auto locksmith to delete the stolen key codes and programme new ones — don't delay on this step.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Many comprehensive car insurance policies include key cover. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to ask. If covered, you may be able to claim for the replacement cost (subject to excess). Even if covered, an auto locksmith will be significantly faster than the insurer's own process.
Call an Auto Locksmith — Not the Dealer
An automotive locksmith can replace and programme most car keys at your vehicle the same day, for 40–60% less than a dealer. There's no need to arrange recovery. Call with your make, model, year, and registration, and get a firm fixed price quoted over the phone before they attend.
All Keys Lost — What Actually Happens
If you've exhausted every search option and confirmed there's no spare, you're in an "all keys lost" situation. This is more involved than standard key replacement:
- The locksmith needs to access the vehicle's ECU via the OBD diagnostic port
- Existing key data is erased from the immobiliser
- Brand new keys are programmed from scratch
- You'll need your V5C logbook to prove ownership — have it ready
- You must be present at the vehicle throughout
The process takes 60–120 minutes and costs considerably more than a standard key replacement — but considerably less than what a dealer charges. See our full lost car keys service page for pricing and details.
Dealer vs Auto Locksmith — The Numbers
Main dealers typically charge £200–£500+ for a standard key replacement, and £400–£800+ for all-keys-lost programming. They also require the vehicle to be delivered to them (recovery cost), and they often can't see you for days. An auto locksmith comes to you, the same day, for 40–60% less.
For exact pricing on all car key scenarios, see our car key replacement cost guide for 2026.
After Getting New Keys — Sort a Spare Immediately
Once you have a replacement key in your hand, the single most important thing you can do is get a spare programmed on the same visit. It's much cheaper than a separate call-out, and it means you'll never be in a full AKL situation again. See our spare car key service for details.