Lost your car keys? Here is exactly what to do.
A step-by-step guide to getting back on the road, how much it should cost, and why a new key alone might not be enough to keep your car safe.
Do not panic. Work through these steps in order.
Most people can be back on the road within a few hours. The key is knowing who to call and in what order.
Check everywhere first
Before calling anyone, do a thorough search. Check coat pockets, bags, under seats, behind cushions, and any place you visited recently. It sounds obvious but keys turn up in unexpected places far more often than they are truly gone.
Use your spare key if you have one
If you have a spare at home, use it to move the car to safety if needed. Then get the lost key replaced before you are left without a backup again.
Decide whether the keys were lost or stolen
This changes what you need to do. If the keys were simply misplaced and there is no chance anyone else has them, a replacement key is enough. If there is any chance they were taken, you need to treat this as a security issue, not just a logistical one.
Call a car locksmith or your dealer
A mobile car locksmith can usually reach you within a few hours and cut or programme a new key on site. For modern vehicles with transponder keys or keyless fobs, your dealer can also help, though this usually takes longer and costs more. Look for MLA-registered locksmiths at masterlocksmith.co.uk for vetted professionals.
Check your insurance policy
Many comprehensive car insurance policies include cover for lost or stolen keys. Check before paying out of pocket, as you may be entitled to have the cost of replacement keys and rekeying covered.
Think about what happens next
A new key gets you back on the road. But it does not change how vulnerable your car is to modern theft methods. See below for why this matters.
Rough UK price ranges for getting a new car key.
Costs vary depending on your vehicle, the type of key, and whether you use a locksmith or your dealer. These are general UK market ranges as of 2026.
Basic cut key (no chip)
Older vehicles without transponder technology. From around £30 to £60 through a locksmith.
Transponder key
Needs programming to match your vehicle. Roughly £100 to £250 depending on make and model.
Keyless entry fob
Full remote programming for modern cars. Can range from £200 to £500 for premium vehicles.
Main dealer replacement
Usually the most expensive route. Expect £200 to £600 or more. Takes longer but guarantees OEM parts.
Always ask for a written quote before any work starts. Prices vary significantly between providers. A reputable MLA-registered locksmith will give you a clear price upfront with no surprises.
A new key gets you back on the road. It does not make your car harder to steal.
Here is the part that does not get talked about enough. Whether your keys were lost or stolen, the way your car is most likely to be taken today has nothing to do with whether a thief has your key or not.
Most modern car thefts use a relay attack. Two people work together with a device that costs under £100. One stands near your house and picks up the signal from your key fob, even through walls and doors. The other stands by your car. Your car thinks the key is right there and unlocks. The engine starts. The whole thing takes under 60 seconds and is completely silent.
A new key does not change any of this. Your new key broadcasts the same type of signal. The relay attack works exactly the same way on a brand new fob as it did on the old one.
The only thing that stops a relay attack is a physical layer of protection that has nothing to do with your key. When your engine circuit is cut at the relay level, independently of your fob and your car’s electronics, there is nothing for a relay device to exploit. The car will not start, full stop.
This is where we come in. We are not a locksmith service. We design, build, and fit relay-based immobilisers across the UK. If you have just sorted your key situation and you want to make sure your car is genuinely protected going forward, we are worth a conversation.
The layer of protection a new key cannot give you.
Our relay-based immobilisers physically cut the engine circuit, independently of your key, your fob, and your car’s computer. We design and build every device ourselves and come to your door to fit it across the UK.
IC3ST, fitted
Standalone wireless immobiliser. Proximity TAG, app control, motion detection.
IS357, fitted
5m detection range, smartwatch support, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi app.
ONE Plus, fitted
4G remote, live camera, GPS tracking, night auto-immobilise, Face ID.
Not sure which?
Take our quiz and get a personalised recommendation for your vehicle.
Things people ask us after losing their keys.
My keys were stolen. Should I rekey my car?
Yes, if your keys were stolen and there is any chance the thief knows where you live, rekeying or reprogramming so the old key no longer works is worth doing. Contact your dealer or an MLA locksmith. But also consider adding an immobiliser, because a thief with your address does not necessarily need a key to steal your car using a relay attack.
Does my insurance cover lost car keys?
Many comprehensive policies include some cover for lost or stolen keys, though limits and excesses vary. Check your policy documents or call your insurer before paying out of pocket. Some policies also require you to report stolen keys to the police and obtain a crime reference number.
How long does it take to get a replacement key?
A mobile locksmith can often reach you the same day and complete the job within an hour. Dealer replacements usually take longer, sometimes several days if parts need ordering, especially for less common vehicles.
Can LockCar help me if I am locked out right now?
We do not offer vehicle access or key cutting services. For immediate help, contact an MLA-registered locksmith or your breakdown provider if you have cover. Once you are back on the road, we can help you make sure your car is properly protected going forward.
New keys sorted? Now make sure the car is actually protected.
Take the 60-second quiz to find out which immobiliser is right for your vehicle. We come to you anywhere in the UK.