02038809904
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Maybe you forgot it at the restaurant table, or maybe you dropped it while hurriedly exiting the supermarket, or maybe you’ve just lost your car keys…
Regardless of what your “lost car keys “ story is, we at UK Auto Locksmith are here to help you get a new set ASAP!
UK Auto locksmith team has the proper experience and equipment to help 24/7 in any Emergency Locksmith case within 30 minutes response time.
✅ No call-out charge
✅ 30min response time
✅ Up to 12 months warranty
✅ 2nd key up to 50% off
Call UK Auto Locksmith anytime and we will be at your location anywhere in London within 30 minutes!
Call us for a quote
02038809904
Consistent 5 Star Ratings and Competitive Prices
Over the years, we’ve acquired a string of 5 Star Ratings from satisfied customers. Our consistent record is the result of efficient, quality service that’s been offered to customers in the nick of time. We offer the most competitive response time in London – only 30 mins!
To further guarantee you quality service, we only hire trained auto locksmith technicians with years of experience under their belts.
Lost car keys? We’ve got you covered!
If you find out that you have a lost car keys situation, firstly, you need to figure out the kind of replacement key that you will require. Check whether it is a traditional car key, car key fob, transponder key, car key fob, and switchblade key, or a smart key/keyless ignition.
Auto locksmiths have the tools as well as the technology to cut and program an identical set of car keys to the one you have misplaced or lost. A trained auto locksmith would be able to make a replacement car key even if you have lost the original one. Your auto locksmith can reprogram the locking system and render your old set of car keys useless, and reconfigure the locks on your car doors and ignition, depending on your car’s age.
How can repair or replacement key service help you?
- Emergency Car Lockout: Get around-the-clock professional car lockout service, regardless of rush hours, holidays, or time of day.
- Locks Picking and Decoding: Our well-trained team knows how to pick locks with surgical precision. You can rest assured that your car door will be opened without any damage to the vehicle.
- Key and Remote Repair: Googling “lost car keys what to do”? Well, you can call our team 24/7 to get a new set of keys and be back on the road within an hour!
- Ignition Repair: Have trouble starting your car? Or can’t seem to remove/turn the key for some reason? Get our timely ignition repair to resolve your car woes.
- Key Programming: With the help of the OBD Plug, we acquire all the information that’s needed to program your car keys. This ensures speedy key programming with minimal hassle.
- EEPROM Job: To better deal with key replacement emergencies, we offer a soldering service for programming car keys after reading the information from the dashboard.
- We also offer car key cutting services in London.
Understanding Car Key Types
When you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having lost your car keys, it’s essential to start by identifying the type of key you had. This knowledge not only simplifies the replacement process but also helps you understand the potential costs and time involved. Car keys can broadly be categorized into several types, each with its unique features and replacement requirements.
Traditional Car Keys are the simplest form, primarily used in older vehicles. They don’t have electronic components and can usually be replaced by any locksmith with key-cutting equipment.
Transponder Keys, introduced in the mid-1990s, contain a small chip that communicates with the car’s engine control unit (ECU). This added layer of security means that the key needs to be programmed to start the car. While more secure, replacing a transponder key requires a locksmith who can handle both key cutting and programming.
Keyless Entry Remotes, or remote fobs, allow you to unlock your car doors or trunk with the push of a button. These remotes are often paired with a traditional or transponder key and require programming for the vehicle to recognize them.
Smart Keys enable a keyless start function and are used in many modern vehicles. They communicate with the car through radio frequency identification (RFID) and must be within a specific range to start the car. Replacing a smart key is usually the most complex and expensive due to the technology involved.
Understanding your car key type is the first step towards replacement. It’s advisable to contact a professional auto locksmith who can provide the correct replacement key and, if necessary, programming services to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Immediate Steps to Take After Losing Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience, but taking immediate and appropriate action can significantly mitigate potential inconveniences and security risks. If you find yourself in this predicament, here are some crucial steps to follow:
- Stay Calm and Search Thoroughly: Before panicking, take a moment to recall your last steps. Check all possible locations where you might have left or dropped your keys. Sometimes, a systematic search can save you time and money.
- Check Your Spare Key: If you have a spare key, now is the time to use it. Having a spare key can also make the replacement process for the lost key simpler and less urgent.
- Contact a Professional Auto Locksmith: If the spare key is not an option, your next best step is to contact a professional auto locksmith. Look for a locksmith who specializes in automotive services, as they will have the necessary tools and expertise to create a new key, even without the original. Ensure they are certified and have good reviews.
- Consider Your Car’s Security: If you’re concerned that your lost keys could be used to steal your vehicle, discuss options with the locksmith or your car dealership about reprogramming your car’s locks and ignition system. This step is crucial for preventing unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Losing Car Keys
Lost car keys are a common yet avoidable inconvenience that can disrupt your day and potentially lead to significant expenses. To minimize the chances of this happening, adopting preventive measures is key. Here are some strategies to help ensure your car keys remain safe and accessible:
- Develop Consistent Habits: Establish a designated spot at home and work where you always place your keys. Consistency in habit can significantly reduce the chances of misplacing them.
- Use Key Finders: Technology offers simple solutions like Bluetooth-enabled key finders. Attach one to your keychain, and you can use your smartphone to locate your keys when they’re misplaced. Some key finders even feature a separation alert, notifying you if you’re leaving your keys behind.
- Invest in a Spare Key: While it may seem obvious, many people neglect to have a spare key made. Keeping a spare key in a secure but accessible location can save you a lot of trouble and expense if your primary key is lost.
- Wear a Keychain or Lanyard: Attaching your keys to a keychain or lanyard that is bulky or distinctive can make them easier to find in a bag and harder to lose.
- Consider Smart Locks: For those who frequently misplace their keys, investing in a vehicle with smart lock technology, which allows you to unlock and start your car with a smartphone app or a code, might be worth considering.
- Regularly Check Key Batteries: For electronic keys and fobs, ensure the batteries are checked and replaced regularly to avoid being locked out due to a dead battery.
- Secure Your Keys: When out and about, ensure your keys are secured in a zipped pocket or a compartment in your bag that’s less accessible to pickpockets.
- Mindfulness and Routine Checks: Before leaving any location, make it a habit to do a quick pat-down to ensure you have your keys. This simple routine can prevent leaving them behind.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your car keys and avoid the stress and cost associated with replacing them. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your keys are always where you need them to be.
The Role of Auto Insurance in Lost Key Situations
Discovering you’ve lost your car keys can be a moment filled with panic and frustration. However, understanding the potential role of your auto insurance in such situations can provide significant relief. Many car owners are unaware that their insurance policy might cover the replacement of lost keys, potentially saving them from the high costs associated with key replacement and locksmith services.
Check Your Policy for Lost Key Coverage
The first step is to thoroughly review your auto insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to check if lost key coverage is included. Some policies offer this as part of comprehensive coverage, while others may require an additional premium for key replacement services. Knowing the specifics of your coverage can guide your next steps effectively.
Making a Claim for Lost Keys
If your policy covers lost keys, follow your insurer’s process for filing a claim. This typically involves providing proof of loss and may include details such as the circumstances of the loss, any police reports filed (in case of theft), and receipts for expenses incurred for key replacement or locksmith services. Be mindful of any deductibles that apply, as these will affect the out-of-pocket costs you’ll need to cover.
Considerations Before Claiming
While insurance coverage for lost keys can be beneficial, it’s important to consider a few factors before making a claim. Frequent claims can impact your insurance premiums, making it costly in the long run. Evaluate the cost of key replacement against your deductible and potential premium increases to decide if claiming is the most economical choice.
Additional Protection with Roadside Assistance
Many insurers offer roadside assistance programs that include services for lockouts, which can be invaluable if you lose your keys or lock them inside your vehicle. These services often provide a more immediate solution without the need for a formal claim, helping you get back on the road faster.
Preventive Measures and Insurance
Finally, taking preventive measures to avoid losing your keys can complement your insurance coverage. Utilizing key finders, having spare keys, and adopting secure key storage habits can minimize the risk of loss and the need to claim insurance.
Understanding the role of auto insurance in lost key situations empowers car owners to navigate these stressful events with confidence. By knowing your coverage, weighing the costs and benefits of claiming, and taking preventive steps, you can manage the situation efficiently and with minimal financial impact.
NO matter what type of key you need, our professional car locksmith team in London is here to help you.
Call us for a quote
02038809904
What is the cost of replacing lost car keys?
The cost of replacing lost car keys depends mainly on the type of key necessary for the vehicle to start, and the costs vary depending on the service you need.
- For lockout- Start from £120
- For Lost key- Start from £180
- For Key Repair- Start from £130
- For Copy Key- Start from £150
- For Key replacement- Start from £150
- For Ignition Repair/replacement- Start from £300
What information do I need to give to the locksmith?
To replace your car keys, the assigned locksmith will need to have the following information at his disposal:
- The make of the vehicle
- The model of the vehicle
- The year of purchase
- The car registration details
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The above information is necessary for the locksmith to understand the type of key that your vehicle needs. The VIN is normally located on the dashboard, on the driver’s side.
The locksmith will need the relevant documents which will confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle.
Can the locksmith help me also If I don't have the key code?
Contrary to popular belief, if you do not have the key code, your auto locksmith can still create a new car key provided you give him the following information — the vehicle’s model, make, and year of manufacture, vehicle registration number, VIN, or vehicle identification number, personal identification, and your present location.
How long does it take to make a new car key?
An able locksmith should be able to replace your car keys within 30 minutes to an hour. The time taken varies depending on the specific situation with your vehicle, the type of car key that needs to be integrated, and the level of programming that is necessary.
Do I have a warranty on the keys?
Insurance companies offer a Key Replacement Cover for your car keys. It is usually an add-on to your vehicle’s Comprehensive Insurance Policy but not a standalone cover. If you pay an additional premium, this Key Replacement Add-on will cover the cost incurred by you for replacing the car keys of your insured vehicle’s key. This cover is applicable if you lose your car keys or they are stolen or damaged or covers the bill you have paid to fix or repair the lock-set in case the key or lock is damaged. However, this cover comes with a rider and also has a list of exclusions where you will not be covered such as failure to produce an invoice or receipts for the claim or payments made, etc.
Which areas do you cover?
Having centres in areas like Barnet, Bromley, Croydon, and Hertfordshire, UK Auto Locksmith offers 24/7 Automotive Locksmith Services almost in all areas in great London, including lost car key replacement, emergency car lockout, and key and remote repair services.
Can I Claim Insurance for the Lost Keys?
If your keys are stolen or misplaced, having car insurance with roadside assistance coverage can ease your situation. However, you will often be responsible for paying for new keys.
The only exemption is when you have comprehensive insurance. This policy covers a stolen car and its keys.
Lost car keys may be covered in the event of theft by other insurance policies, such as homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance, which includes personal property coverage.
However, before deciding whether it’s worthwhile to file a claim for your lost car keys, consider the advantages, disadvantages, and frequency of such an event.
What to Do If I Lost the Car Key and Have No Spare?
Previously, lost car keys were not a big concern.
As vehicles have become more technologically sophisticated, so too have their keys, whose replacement can be more expensive.
If you don’t have a spare key, you should contact a car locksmith immediately so they can examine the problem and advise you.
Without the necessary knowledge, attempting anything on your own can worsen your problem.
What to Do If I Keep Losing My Keys?
Most keys don’t have tracking technology.
However, some devices will allow you to track your lost car keys if it happens often. These gadgets are key ring-attachable and enable you to manage them using an app on your phone.
How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Car If I Lost the Key?
A car lockout occurs when the owner fails to access their vehicle. Reach out to a nearby locksmith to help you unlock it.
Typically, the least amount to expect for a locksmith to unlock your vehicle is £120. However, it can be as high as £250 or even more.
An example is when your key breaks and you don’t have a spare. Expect to shell out about £250 to unlock the car and have a new key made.
If your key broke within the lock and a fragment was left inside, the cost of extracting the broken key will affect the price. The cost of a broken key extraction alone is about £120.
Can a Lost Car Key Replacement Be Cheap?
Modern key technologies offer exceptional security features.
However, these also make it a bit expensive to replace your car keys when you lose them. This is because the locksmith doesn’t just have to cut a new key but will also have to program it specifically to your vehicle.
The skills and tools used for this process make a car key replacement costly.
Where to Find a Lost Car Key Replacement near Me?
When paying to replace your lost car keys, ensure you only receive the highest calibre of work.
Try looking out for local auto key replacement and programming providers online and reading customer reviews. This approach is a great way to identify experts who can assist you.
You can contact UK Auto Locksmith 24/7, from any location in London, and we’ll be at your property within 30 minutes.
Our customers consistently give us positive feedback for our top-notch services.
Contact us at 02038809904 to get quotes or any other information you require.
Available Monday – Sunday 24 Hours
Only Experienced and Reliable Auto Locksmiths
Everywhere in London