What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

First, make sure the key is genuinely lost. Retrace your steps and check pockets, bags, around your home and anywhere you've recently visited. If you've been to shops, restaurants or other public places, it's worth checking whether the key has been handed in.

If you still can't find it, you'll need to consider having a replacement made. If you believe the key has been stolen rather than lost, you should also consider reporting it to the police and contacting your insurance provider.

In many cases, yes. Auto locksmiths specialise in vehicle keys, locks and security systems and can often produce a replacement key without the vehicle needing to be taken to a dealership.

Depending on your vehicle and the type of key, this may involve cutting a replacement key blade and programming the transponder, remote or smart key to the vehicle.

Many ALA members operate fully mobile auto locksmith services, allowing this work to be carried out where the vehicle is located.

Even if you've lost your only key, it may still be possible to have a replacement made. This is commonly referred to within the industry as an all keys lost situation.

The exact process depends on the make, model, age and security system fitted to the vehicle, but many vehicles can be dealt with by an experienced mobile auto locksmith without having to recover the vehicle to a dealership.

ALA members work with a wide range of vehicle manufacturers and security systems, although individual members' capabilities can vary. When contacting a locksmith, provide your vehicle registration so they can confirm whether they can help.

Not necessarily. A main dealer is one option for obtaining a replacement key, but a mobile auto locksmith may be able to travel directly to your vehicle and produce the replacement on site.

This can avoid the inconvenience and additional expense of arranging vehicle recovery simply because you no longer have a working key.

Some vehicles may require particular parts or procedures, so it's worth providing the locksmith with your vehicle details before arranging the job.

When contacting an auto locksmith, it's useful to have the following information available:

• Vehicle registration
• Make and model
• Approximate year
• Your location
• Whether you have another working key
• The type of key or remote, if known

A professional locksmith should also ask for appropriate identification and proof that you are authorised to access the vehicle.

There is no standard time because modern vehicle keys and security systems vary considerably. The time required can depend on the vehicle, the type of key, availability of the correct parts and whether there is still a working key available.

Many replacement keys can be completed during a single visit, while more complex vehicles may require additional time or parts. An ALA member should be able to advise you what is likely to be involved once they have your vehicle details.

There is no standard price for replacing a lost vehicle key. The cost can depend on:

• Make and model
• Age of the vehicle
• Type of key
• Whether it's a remote or smart key
• Security system fitted
• Whether all keys have been lost
• Parts required

When asking for a quotation, provide the vehicle registration and explain whether you have any working keys remaining. This will help the locksmith understand what is required and provide a more accurate quotation.

Depending on the vehicle, it may be possible to remove a missing key from the vehicle's authorised key or immobiliser system when programming the replacement. This can help prevent the missing key from being used to start the vehicle if somebody finds it.

However, vehicle security systems differ, and removing a key electronically does not necessarily prevent a physical emergency key blade from operating a mechanical lock.

If you believe your keys have been stolen rather than simply lost, make this clear to the locksmith so they can advise you about the security options available for your particular vehicle.

If you can see your keys inside the vehicle, you may not need a replacement key at all. Auto locksmiths specialise in gaining access to vehicles using specialist tools and techniques.

ALA members are expected to use professional working practices, including non-destructive vehicle entry methods wherever possible.

Avoid attempting to force the door, window or lock yourself, as this could result in unnecessary damage.

If you only have one working key, it's worth considering having a spare made. Having a spare available can make things considerably easier if your main key is lost, stolen or damaged in the future.

Read our guide on why you should have a spare car key for more detail.

In many cases, producing an additional key while you still have a working key can also be more straightforward than dealing with an all-keys-lost situation later.

Many ALA members provide both replacement and spare car keys, so you don't have to wait until you've lost your last key before contacting one.

Modern vehicle keys can involve sophisticated immobilisers, transponders, remote controls and keyless systems. Choosing someone with appropriate experience and equipment is therefore important.

The Auto Locksmith Association has supported professional auto locksmiths since 1996 and exists to promote professionalism, training and high standards within the automotive locksmith industry.

ALA members are carefully vetted through references, background checks and practical assessments, helping motorists find experienced automotive locksmiths. Members also invest in training and specialist equipment to keep up with changes in vehicle security technology.

You can read more about the ALA or browse our frequently asked questions.

If you've lost your car keys, need a replacement or spare key, or have locked your keys inside your vehicle, you can use the Auto Locksmith Association member directory to find an auto locksmith covering your area.

Rather than contacting a national call centre or marketing company, the ALA directory allows you to find and contact ALA auto locksmiths directly.

Losing your car keys doesn't necessarily mean having your vehicle recovered or waiting for a replacement from a main dealer. An experienced mobile auto locksmith may be able to come directly to the vehicle, gain access where necessary, produce and programme a replacement key and get you back on the road.

Use the ALA Member Directory to find an experienced auto locksmith covering your area.