Help! I’ve lost my car keys!
We’ve all been there. You’re rushing to get out somewhere, you’re behind schedule and your keys seem to have done a disappearing trick. Or you’ve returned to your car and they’ve vanished, leaving you with no way of being on your way. Equally, maybe you’ve experienced that moment of dread when you know exactly where your keys are – safely locked inside your vehicle.
While the overwhelming majority of motor thefts don’t involve keys, there are nonetheless many occasions when opportunist thieves will swipe them should the occasion arise, in myriad different situations.
Make no mistake, losing keys is a time-consuming, potentially costly and deeply frustrating business. Plus, there’s always the worry your keys could fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, you need to take swift action if it happens.
What to do if you lose your car keys
Take a deep breath and remain calm first of all, exasperating though this situation undoubtedly is.
Next, note your motor’s Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. You’ll find this on a plaque set into the dashboard and you’ll be able to see it through the windscreen. (In older models, it may be in the log book.) This will be handy for anyone you deal with as you hunt replacement keys.
What information do I need to prepare for my auto locksmith?
Your vehicle’s make, model and reg. number
Vehicle ID number – on your VSC paperwork – check the car’s log book
Postcode for your location
Personal ID
How much does a replacement car key UK cost?
Price will depend on the vehicle model and key type and can vary from as little as £25 to more than £200.
Who can help me?
Here are some options you have:
Look for an automotive locksmith
Find a qualified automotive locksmith near you. They can come out to you with fresh keys as long as you have proof of ownership of your car and ID. They’ll generally sort the problem quickly and reprogramme your vehicle so your old keys won’t work if someone finds them. A locksmith can programme a new key for your vehicle even if you don’t have the original. Also, you won’t need to change your car locks.
Purchase replacement keys from a dealer
This option guarantees you’ll be able to open the vehicle first time with no problem. However, it can also take a long time and be expensive. Indeed, you could find yourself waiting up to 10 working days, which is not ideal when quick action is required.
Use the High Street
Getting a spare key cut via a High Street provider can be a cost-effective and speedy solution, however, is only an option if you haven’t lost every copy! This will not be possible without a key to provide to a high street provider.
Franchised dealership or local garage
These options could be expensive; they may not have all the right specialist equipment and they certainly won’t be able to come out to you.
How we can help
At The Automotive Expert, we are specialist auto locksmiths. Our team of technicians are fully trained and equipped with the latest car key software. We can supply, cut and program new keys at our workshop or on the roadside, even when a key has been lost.
We offer a wider range of services for most vehicle makes to help you in any situation and if your repair requires more than 60 minutes work, we can offer a FREE drop off and pick up from home, work or rail station within the Basingstoke area.
Our car key services include, but are not limited to; key cutting and replacement, non-destructive entry to locked vehicle, car key and lock repair and pin code and key code reading.
Get in touch
Talk to us! At The Automotive Experts, we have years of experience in helping drivers after they’ve lost or damaged their car keys and can provide accurate diagnostics and fault-finding for your vehicle outside the main dealerships. Trust us to get you back on the road promptly. Request a quote online or by phone today.