Lost Your Car Keys? Here's What To Do First

Lost car keys are stressful, but the fix is usually faster and cheaper than people fear — as long as you don't panic and call the main dealer first.

Step 1 — don't book the dealer

Dealers charge £400–£800 for a replacement car key plus a recovery fee to get the car to them. A mobile auto locksmith cuts and programs a new key at your driveway, usually for half the price.

Step 2 — get your paperwork ready

Bring your V5 logbook and photo ID. That's all an auto locksmith needs to prove ownership and program a new key legally. No paperwork = no key — this protects you from car theft.

Step 3 — call your auto locksmith

Give them your reg, make, model and year. A good locksmith will quote a fixed price up front — no 'starting from' games. Most jobs are completed inside 90 minutes.

Step 4 — order a spare on the same visit

Programming a second key on the same visit is usually 30–50% cheaper than coming back another day. Never run on just one key.