Losing every key to a car feels like the end of the road, but it's a routine job. New keys can be made and programmed at the car, wherever it's parked, without it going on a recovery truck to a dealer.
First steps
- Check for a spare. A second key in a drawer or with a family member is the quickest fix, and cheaper to copy than starting from nothing.
- Think about where the keys went. If they were stolen, or lost along with something showing your address, report it to the police and keep the car somewhere secure until the old keys are cancelled.
- Check your insurance. Some policies include key cover. It's worth a look before you pay for anything.
What you'll need
Keys are only made for the owner or registered keeper, so we check before any entry or programming work. Have these ready:
- Proof of ownership, such as the V5C logbook
- Photo ID, such as a driving licence or passport, matching that document
- The make, model and year, plus the registration if you have it
How new keys are made at the car
- 01Getting in. If the car is locked, we open it with specialist entry tools, without damaging the locks, doors or glass. More on getting into a locked car.
- 02Cutting and programming. A new key is cut where needed, then programmed to the car's immobiliser with dedicated key programming equipment. Remote locking is set up at the same time.
- 03Cancelling the lost keys. The lost keys are removed from the car's memory, so even if someone finds them, they won't start the car.
- 04Testing. Every new key is tested for locking, unlocking and starting before we leave.
Why removing the lost keys matters
A modern car remembers every key programmed to it. Until a lost key is removed from that memory, it can still open and start the car. That matters most when the keys went missing with a bag, a coat or anything else that points to where the car lives.
Once you're back on the road
Get a spare key made while we're there. A second key costs far less than another all-keys-lost job. If your keys were stolen, or you live in an area where cars are targeted, it's also worth considering an immobiliser, so a key on its own can never drive the car away.
Why it matters locally
Removing lost keys matters more here than most places. The West Midlands had the second-highest rate of vehicle crime in England and Wales in the year to March 2026, behind only London (ONS). West Midlands Police recorded 12,196 vehicles stolen in 2025, with Ford the most stolen make (West Midlands PCC).
Get a fixed quote
Every car is different, so there's no one-size price. Send the make, model and year and we'll come back with a fixed quote before anything is booked. Our lost car keys page has what we'll need and the questions people ask.
We work across Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock, Wolverhampton and Stafford. For key work in your town, see our auto locksmith pages for Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock, Wolverhampton and Stafford.
