Lost all your car keys? Here is what to do
Losing your only set of car keys can bring everything to a standstill. No spare, no way in, no way to move the car. It happens more than most people expect and it is one of the jobs I get called out for regularly across Durham and the North East.
Now SERMI Registered — Manufacturer-Level Access, Independent Prices.It is worth knowing that all keys lost is a different job to a standard key replacement. When every key to a vehicle has gone, the entire key system has to be wiped and reprogrammed from scratch. All previously registered keys get removed from the vehicle's security system and new ones are coded in. It takes more time and more equipment than cutting a copy from an existing key.
What happens when you call
The first thing I will ask for is your vehicle make, model and registration number. Every manufacturer does key security differently. Some vehicles have complex security modules that need specific keys and programming equipment. I need your details before I come out so I can check I have everything needed and give you a realistic idea of how long the job will take.
Some vehicles can be sorted within the hour. Others with more involved security systems take longer. I will give you a straight estimate before I travel.
Proof of ownership
Because this job involves wiping and reprogramming the entire key system, I ask for proof of ownership on every all keys lost job without exception.
What I need:
- Your V5 logbook and a driving licence showing the same address.
- If you have recently bought the vehicle and the V5 has not arrived yet, I will accept insurance documents, a utility bill and your driving licence.
If you cannot show me proof that the vehicle belongs to you, I cannot do the work. I do not make exceptions on this. It is there to protect you as much as anything else, and it is part of how I work as a DBS checked, fully verified auto locksmith.
If you have lost your wallet along with your keys, I do understand that is a really difficult situation. The honest advice in that case is to contact your insurance provider first. They may be able to help while you sort the documentation.
How much does it cost
The cost depends on your vehicle make, model, year and the type of key it uses. Here is a rough guide:
Standard Transponder Key
£70 – £120
Basic key with an immobiliser chip. Common on vehicles made before the mid 2000s with no remote buttons.
Remote Central Locking Fob
£90 – £220
Key blade with lock and unlock buttons built in. The most common key type on UK roads today.
Smart / Proximity Key
£150 – £350+
Keyless entry and push to start. Found on most modern vehicles.
Because an all keys lost job involves wiping and recoding the full system, it takes more work than a straightforward key replacement. The final price depends on your specific vehicle, which is why I always ask for your reg before giving a quote.
My prices are considerably less than a main dealership. No VAT, no call-out fee. The quote I give you before I travel is what you pay.
Why Auto Access
I have been in the motor trade for 17 years. I know vehicles, not just keys, and that matters on a job like this. All keys lost done wrong can lock a vehicle out of its own security system for good. It is not a job to hand to someone who did a weekend course.
I am DBS checked, fully insured and I work from a sign-written van with everything I need on board. You can find me on social media and YouTube before I arrive so you know who is coming. You speak directly to me from the first call. No call centres, no one else.
No call-out fee. No VAT. 222 five-star reviews across Durham and the North East.
Recent All Keys Lost Jobs
A selection of all keys lost jobs completed by Auto Access across the North East.
Recent JobBMW Z4 — All Keys Lost
Durham
Recent JobCitroen C3 — All Keys Lost
Sunderland
Recent JobFiat 500 — All Keys Lost
Middlesbrough
Recent JobFord Focus — All Keys Lost
Newcastle
Recent JobPeugeot Boxer — All Keys Lost
Stockton-on-Tees
Recent JobVauxhall Astra — All Keys Lost
South Shields
Areas covered
Don't see your area? Just call.
For a full breakdown of key replacement costs read our guide: How much does a car key replacement cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
Lost all your keys? Call Auto Access now
Fast, reliable all keys lost services across Durham and the North East.