What to do if you lose your car keys

Many people will misplace their car keys at some point, but thankfully they’ll usually show up after a bit of a rummage.

But what if the keys really are gone? This guide will help you understand exactly what to do if your keys are lost or stolen, as well as sharing advice on how to keep them safe in the first place.

Take one last look

Before you accept that you’ll never see your keys again, it’s worth having a final search, just in case they do turn up. Check common places like coat pockets and bags, as well as anywhere unusual you may have set them down – like a spot by the front door, near or inside the fridge or in the bathroom. If you’ve been in a shop or cafe recently, give them a call to see if any keys have been handed in.

Do you need to report lost car keys to the police?

In the UK, you don’t have to report missing car keys to the police, unless you have a strong reason to suspect they were stolen. If theft is suspected, report them missing immediately to get a crime reference number. You’ll need this if you want to make a claim to your insurance provider.

Does breakdown cover include lost keys?

You might not immediately consider contacting a breakdown service if you’ve lost your car key, but many breakdown providers define a breakdown as anything that stops you from being able to drive your car safely. And because this includes lost, broken, or stolen keys, help is available, which can include:

• Gaining access: If your keys are locked inside your vehicle, a technician can often help you get inside safely.
• Specialist support: In some instances, a specialist locksmith can help you gain access.
• Vehicle recovery: If the car can’t be accessed or driven, it can be taken to a garage for further help.

To make sure this goes smoothly, it’s essential you call your breakdown cover provider first. Costs are generally only covered if they’ve been agreed to first, or are explicitly covered in your policy. When a specialist arrives, you must have your vehicle logbook (V5C) and your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready so they can verify that you’re the rightful owner before they begin any work.

Replacing a lost car key

In most cases, getting hold of a new key is generally straightforward. Once you’ve gained access to the vehicle or had it recovered, you have a couple of different options depending on the age of your car:

• Modern smart key: These need to be programmed to your car’s security system. You can do that by ordering a new smart key through a franchised dealer, or a specialist auto locksmith may be able to come to your vehicle to do the work.
• Physical key: If you have an older car with a traditional metal key, a local auto locksmith can cut a copy for you.

A new electronic fob can sometimes take a few days or more to arrive from a manufacturer, so a reputable auto locksmith is often the fastest route to getting a functioning key back in your hand.

Does car insurance cover lost car keys?

Most comprehensive car insurance policies in the UK will cover stolen keys. However, cover for loss might not be a standard feature. Check if you need a specific key protection add-on to be able to claim for a replacement.

Check your policy or speak with your provider to see if you’re covered for the cost of new locks and fobs, as these can be expensive to replace.

Why you can’t start a modern car without a key

Modern cars are designed so the engine won’t start without the correct key. This is down to the immobiliser system, an electronic security layer that prevents the engine from starting unless it recognises a unique code transmitted by the chip inside your key.

A replacement will need to be programmed to your vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU).

Simple habits to avoid losing your keys

With just a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can give yourself the best chance at keeping your keys safe, and avoiding any disruptive losses:

• Use a distinctive key chain
• Keep your keys in the same place at home
• Consider attaching a tracking device to your keys
• Keep a spare key in a safe and secure place

Reviewing your breakdown cover means you know exactly who to call if you ever find yourself locked out of your car, giving you a clear plan to get your day back on track.