No key left? It can still be made
Losing the only key feels like the end of the road, but for a mobile locksmith it is an ordinary job. The car does not need towing anywhere, and no spare is needed to begin from: the replacement is cut from the locks and coded to the car while it stays parked where it is.
It starts with a call. Tell us the make, the model and the year, where the car is, and how the key was lost. We will say what comes next in plain words, which ownership papers to have ready, and when we can come to you. The phone is answered around the clock — this is not a Monday-morning problem.
How a replacement key is made at your car
A modern key is really two things: a blade cut to fit the locks and ignition, and a chip, remote or keyless code that the car has to accept. Both parts are done beside the car, and the finished key is tried before we leave.
- Call or WhatsApp 07367 634032. Make, model, year, and the car’s location.
- Have your ownership papers ready. We will say exactly which ones your car needs.
- We come to the car. Cut, coded and tested on the spot — in the locks and the ignition.
- Think about a spare. Once the new key works, a second one cut from it is the simplest way to avoid going through this twice.
One key left, or none at all
With one working key still in your hand, the new one is copied from it — the quicker job. With every key gone, the new one has to be built from the car instead, which takes more work. Both are normal jobs for a mobile locksmith, and both are done at the car. If you are not sure the key is really lost, check the usual places first — pockets, bags, the car itself — and then ring us. If it turns up afterwards, tell us: on many cars the old key can be struck from the car’s memory when the new one is programmed.
Showing the car is yours
No key is made until we know the car belongs to you. Have your photo ID and the car’s documents ready when you call, and we will say which ones apply — it changes from make to make. If you only just bought the car, or the papers are locked inside it, say so on the call and we will talk through what can be done.
What if my key was stolen?
Tell us straight away — and report it to the police if you have not already. A stolen key is worse than a lost one, because somebody else may be holding it. On many cars the old key can be removed from the car’s memory when the replacement is programmed, so it will no longer start the car. Whether that is possible for yours depends on the make and model, and we will explain it before any work begins.
What will it cost?
The price turns on the make, the model and the type of key — and on whether every key is gone or one remains. We publish no prices, because a number given without your car’s details is a guess. Ring or message 07367 634032 for a fixed quote, and read our replacement key cost guide to see what the price is made of.
Which makes do we cover?
Lost keys are replaced for most makes across Birmingham. The ones we hear about most are Ford, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. Ring with your make, model and year and we will confirm whether we can help your car.