Lost your only car key: what to do
Before you spend any money, spend ten minutes on the checks below. Then, if the key really has gone, here is how to get back on the road.
Look properly, once
Coat pockets, the bag you used yesterday, down the side of the sofa, the fridge, the car door pocket and the boot lock. Retrace the last trip. Ring anywhere you stopped, because shops, gyms and pubs hand keys in behind the counter all the time.
Check for a spare you forgot about
A second key in a drawer, with a relative, or still at the dealer who sold you the car. If there is one, use it and get another spare made at your leisure. It will cost less than an emergency job.
Check your cover
Some car insurance policies, breakdown memberships and packaged bank accounts include key cover. Read the small print or ring them. They may want you to use their supplier, or they may pay back a locksmith's invoice.
Get the right information together
You will be asked for the make, model and year, and the registration helps. You will also need photo ID and proof the car is yours, such as the V5C logbook. Without those, nobody reputable will make you a key.
Choose who makes the key
A main dealer can order one, but the car usually has to be taken to them, and with no key that means recovery. A mobile auto locksmith makes the key where the car is parked. Ask for the lost key to be deleted from the car at the same time.
Then get a spare
Once you have a working key again, have a second one made while the locksmith is there. It is the cheapest moment to do it, and it means this never happens again.
Want a price for your vehicle?
Make, model and year is all we need to start.