How to replace lost car keys (Updated for 2025)

How to get replacement car keys

In this section, we’ll highlight the various options available for car key replacement, ordered by price (from lowest to highest):

Option 1: Find out if your insurance covers lost car keys

Many comprehensive car insurance policies cover key loss as standard – and others allow you to add this cover as an optional extra.

So, when you realise you’ve lost your car keys, check with your insurer. If you’re covered for lost car keys, you may be able to get a replacement set.

Many providers offer this free of charge, while others levy a small excess. Either way, this option is much cheaper than paying for replacement keys out of your own pocket.

Some policies even include car or taxi hire which can provide a lifeline when you’re stranded transport.

In most cases, your no claims bonus won’t be affected (but check your policy’s terms for peace of mind).

Typical cost: £12 to £30 per year

Option 2: Get a spare set of car keys cut

If you still have a spare set of car keys at home, you could hire a specialist key cutter to copy them.

Although your new keys won’t have the same remote locking functionality as a like-for-like replacement from the manufacturer, they’ll be significantly cheaper.

However, bear in mind that whenever you sell your car, you’ll probably get less for it than you would with the official manufacturer’s keys.

Typical cost: £11 to £140+

Option 3: Call your breakdown provider

Did you know that most breakdown cover providers can help if you lose your car key or lock yourself out of your car with the keys inside?

If they can't retrieve or replace your keys, the breakdown specialist should be able to get you to a garage that can.

Typical cost: £60 to £100 (for annual breakdown cover)

💡Pricing for key recovery is given on application, but providers will usually offer cheaper quotes if you’re already a member.

Option 4: Call your local auto locksmith or garage

Auto locksmiths can program a new key to work with your car even if you have lost both original sets. Finding the right specialist may require a little research, as many locksmiths only cover a limited number of manufacturers.

If you’re lucky enough to find one with a blank key that matches your motor, you’re all set! Many auto locksmiths also offer a mobile service, making this a convenient option if you’re unable to travel to their garage.

A good auto locksmith should deprogram the original key to ensure it can’t be used by a prospective thief. They may also be able to help if your car’s lock is broken or you have damaged your car keys.

Typical cost: £50 to £200

💡Before seeking out a specialised auto locksmith, call your local garage, just in case they have the right equipment to program a new key for you. This could save you money and hassle!

Option 5: Order a replacement key from a dealership or the manufacturer

You can order a car key from the manufacturer if you need a like-for-like replacement or can’t find a local specialist that can replace your missing keys.

To place your order, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer service team or request the replacement keys at the nearest authorised dealership.

Just bear in mind this option can be more expensive, due to the higher overheads associated with dealerships and manufacturers, labour costs for their technicians, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are often more expensive than aftermarket equivalents.

Typical cost: £240 to £1,000+

How to get replacement keys without the originals

If you have lost the original keys and the spare set, a local locksmith may be able to program a new key to work with your car.

However, for more sophisticated keys, you may need to arrange for your car to be towed to a manufacturer dealership or contact the manufacturer directly to request a replacement.

Different types of car keys

When requesting a new car key, it’s important to know which type of car key you need to replace. Here’s a breakdown of the different car key types in the UK:

Traditional car keys

These are the simplest car keys, made from metal, with ridges to match the locks in your vehicle. They were often made for older car models and lack modern features such as remote access or transponder technology.

However, they are easier to duplicate or replace than newer, more sophisticated keys.

Transponder keys

Transponder keys have a small microchip, which is embedded in the head and communicates with the car’s immobiliser system to start the vehicle. This technology safeguards against older car theft techniques such as ‘hotwiring’.

They’re more secure than traditional car keys – but also more expensive to replace due to their more complex design.

Smart keys

Smart keys (or proximity keys) use radio frequency identification (RFID) - and a proximity sensor that unlocks the door when the car is in close range. Users benefit from keyless entry and ignition.

However, due to their elaborate technology, replacing smart keys when they are lost or damaged can be costly.

Remote keyless entry

Remote keyless entry systems (or key fobs) are used for many modern cars. These fobs allow drivers to lock or unlock their cars remotely, at the push of a button.

More sophisticated versions have features such as remote start, boot release, and panic alarms.

If you lose or damage your remote keyless entry fob, you’ll need to have a key reprogrammed by a car dealer or auto locksmith.

How do I know what type of key my car uses?

• If you still have a key, inspect it for features such as remote buttons, or a transponder chip – and compare it to the images above.
• Otherwise, refer to the owner’s manual for details of the keys, or search for this information online.
• A professional auto locksmith or a manufacturer dealership should be able to tell you what type of key is required.

How much does lost car key replacement cost?

According to a Nimblefins survey, the average cost to replace a car key in the UK as of December 2024 was around £340, marking an increase of over 40% in 5 years. Here are some ballpark replacement costs for popular car models on UK roads:

Please note: This pricing is for guidance only. For an accurate car key replacement quotation, please consult a mechanic, locksmith, or manufacturer.

Can I get a replacement car key made from my VIN number?

Yes, if you lose your car key, you can get a replacement set made from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) by contacting an auto locksmith or the vehicle manufacturer. However, you will also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale.

The VIN number is a 17-character code which contains important details about your car, including its country of manufacture, make, model, body style, engine size - and other identifying information that will allow a specialist to create replacement keys.

VIN codes for pre-1981 models may be shorter (11-17 characters).

What factors affect car key replacement costs?

Manufacturer: Different manufacturers use different car key technologies and security measures. Luxury brands often have more sophisticated keys, which are more expensive to replace.

Model: Replacement costs will also vary by model. Two models within the same range may have completely different key styles and replacement costs.

Type of car key: The type of car key (e.g. manual, remote, flip key, transponder key or keyless entry remote) is also a core factor, with more sophisticated keys incurring higher replacement costs.

Special features: Features such as car alarm activation, remote locking and keyless entry will increase the cost of replacement.

Your choice of replacement specialist: High-street locksmiths, auto locksmiths, dealerships, and car manufacturers will all have different pricing models for car key replacement.

Time of day: Ordering replacement keys during trading hours should be cheaper than hiring an out-of-hours car key replacement specialist. (However, this can be a helpful option if you can’t wait until tomorrow.)

What documents will I need to replace a lost car key?

To replace a missing car key, you’ll usually need to provide the auto locksmith with the following details and identification:

• The make and model of your car and its registration number.
• The VIN referenced in your V5C logbook.
• A form of personal identification (e.g. driving licence).
• Your address and postcode (if the locksmith needs to visit your home).

What should I do if my car keys are damaged?

• Check whether your car insurance policy covers damaged keys.
• Your breakdown provider may also offer a key repair or replacement service.
• If you have a working spare key, consider getting a duplicate cut at a high-street retailer such as Timpson or Halfords, or through an auto locksmith.
• You should also be able to obtain a replacement through the manufacturer or an authorised dealership.

Can I sell my car with one key?

Yes, you can sell your car with only one key.

However, while it’s not strictly necessary to have both sets of keys for your car, if one or both sets are missing, this can significantly hurt its resale value:

• If you try to sell your car with a single key, you may find that it takes longer to find a buyer. A missing set of keys also puts the buyer in a position to negotiate a discount.
• If you’re selling privately, replacing the missing keys and following our tips for selling your car should help to make the process easier.
• Here at webuyanycar, we can buy cars with only one set of keys, but your valuation will be reduced. Unfortuantely, we cannot buy cars without keys.
• It’s difficult (but not impossible) to sell a car with no keys. However, as the responsibility to obtain replacement keys would lie with the new owner (and they may also have to arrange for the vehicle to be towed away), it can be tricky to find a willing buyer.
• Unless the cost would make the sale unprofitable, obtaining replacement keys should be worth your while.
• Use our free car valuation tool to find out how much your motor could be worth with both sets of keys.

Please note: Make sure you have the correct documents to sell your car to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Scrapping your car without a key

Yes, in most cases, scrapyards or authorised treatment facilities (ATFs) will allow you to scrap your car with them, even if the keys are missing.

However, you will need to provide proof that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle. The V5C logbook should be sufficient here.

Can I program a key myself?

Home programming is possible with certain cars (typically older models), although this is usually limited to basic key fobs.

Unfortunately, most modern cars don’t allow you to program keys yourself. This requires specialised software and equipment due to the more sophisticated technology involved.

How to program a car key at home (step-by-step)

Here’s a quick explainer on how home car reprogramming works:

1. Make sure you have both the remote fob and the ignition key when you enter the vehicle. Make sure all doors are closed – or this could jeopardise the reprogramming process.
2. Switch the ignition on. Take your key fob and press the ‘lock’ button. Then, turn the ignition key back to the ‘off’ position’.
3. Complete the second step three more times. Then, put the ignition key in the ‘on’ position after the fourth cycle. This will tell the electronic control system (ECU) that the signal is coming from the ignition key.
4. Listen for the locking sound, as this will tell you that programming mode has been activated.
5. Once you hear it, push the lock button on your remote fob for around five seconds. The locks should then cycle once more, indicating that the key has been reconfigured.

If your car allows programming at home, the exact process to follow should be explained in the owner’s manual.

Tips to avoid losing your car keys

• Store them in a consistent spot: By always putting your keys in the same place (e.g. on a hook, in a bowl, or on a rack), you’re less likely to lose them around your home.

• Beware of distractions: Get out the habit of putting your keys down whilst multitasking.

• Use a keyring: Keeping your car keys with your other keys on a large, distinctive keyring will make them easier to spot. A brightly coloured or glow-in-the-dark keyring can spare you the hassle of frantically searching for them.

• Use tracking technology: Smartphone apps (e.g. KeyConnect and ZUS Car Key Finder), voice assistants, and IoT key tracker devices can help you find your keys if you ever lose or misplace them.