If you’ve misplaced your car key and don’t have a spare key, don’t worry. You have a couple of options. 

Your first option is to contact your car dealership. They’ll arrange an appointment during which you will visit their dealership site so they can provide you with a replacement key. 

Your second option is to speak to your local auto locksmith. A professional auto locksmith should be able to cut and program a replacement for you.

This is often the quicker option because your car dealership appointment might not be for the same day. So your car could be out of action for a while.

Many locksmiths offer same-day mobile service, meaning you might not even need to travel to them, they’ll come to you instead.

Our first piece of advice is to NOT try and break into your car door or boot to get the vehicle keys. Unless you’re a professional you’re more likely to damage the car of the lock mechanism (which will make it more expensive to fix).

Depending on your roadside recovery package, you may be able to get in touch with the provider to get your car unlocked. It’s worth noting though, that even if this is included in your package, usually only one car key retrieval per year is covered. 

Some car insurance policies also cover you in the event you lock your car keys in the car.

Your other option is to contact your local auto locksmith. Professional locksmiths can pick your car locks and gain entry without causing damage to your car. Auto locksmiths also tend to charge less than a breakdown service would (if you’re not covered). 

The most simple reason is that the battery has died. 

If your key hasn’t been used or had a battery change for a while, this is most probably the case. 

Changing your car key’s battery is really simple. 

The easiest way to get this done is to visit your local auto locksmith. They will most likely have the battery in stock, and if they don’t they’ll order it in for you. 

Most auto locksmiths will also replace the battery for you, rather than just providing you with the battery, making the process that bit easier. 

If your car key isn’t battery operated – an older mechanical key perhaps – then you should still speak to an auto locksmith for car key repair. 

Your local auto locksmith should be able to diagnose the problem. Maybe your key is slightly misshapen, or the car lock itself might be damaged. 

Once they’ve diagnosed the problem, the locksmith should be able to fix the problem– usually either replacing your car key or car lock.

There are three main types of car keys: 

• Traditional/mechanical 

• Transponder 

• Keyless entry fob

If you’re unsure of the type of key you need, your auto locksmith will be able to help. 

To determine the type of key, they will need to know the make, model and year of your car as well as your Vehicle Identification Number

 (VIN).

If you have an older car, you will most likely need a traditional/mechanical key with no electronic components. Because of this, your key won’t need any data programmed onto it. If you still have your original key and just need a copy, this is straightforward – your locksmith will just create a duplicate. If you’ve lost the original, your auto locksmith will still be able to create a new key, but this may take slightly longer as they will need to look at the cylinder the key will need to fit. 

Newer cars tend to have transponders and keyless entry fobs. This is where things get slightly more complex. 

These keys need to be programmed specifically for your car. To do this your auto locksmith will use specialist equipment to transport your car’s data onto a new key. 

And, for added security, if you’ve lost your original car key your auto locksmith will program it out to ensure it can’t be used again if it has fallen into the wrong hands.