By All Lockouts Locksmith team ·
Losing one car key is annoying. Losing every key — with no spare at home — feels like a crisis. The good news is that in many cases a new key can be made from scratch and programmed to your car without towing it anywhere. Here's what to do, step by step, and what to expect for time and cost.
Step 1: Retrace and search carefully
Before paying for a new key, spend a few minutes retracing your steps. Check the last stores or restaurants you visited, ask at the customer service desk, and look under car seats and in bags. If your key has a tracker attached, check its app. Call anyone who might have borrowed the car.
Step 2: Think about security
If you believe the key was stolen — especially along with something that shows your address — treat it as a security issue. Move the car somewhere safe if you can, and consider having the old key erased from the car's memory when the new one is programmed. Many vehicles let a locksmith delete lost keys so they can no longer start the car.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Any reputable locksmith or dealer will require proof that the car is yours. Have these ready:
- Photo ID
- Vehicle registration or title in your name
- Year, make and model
- The VIN, visible through the windshield on the driver's side or on your insurance card
Step 4: Get a quote from a mobile locksmith
Call or text an automotive locksmith with your vehicle details. With all keys lost, the locksmith needs to (1) gain entry to the car if it's locked, (2) originate a key — from the VIN using code data, or by decoding the lock — and (3) program the new key to the car's immobilizer. We'll tell you up front whether we can handle your vehicle and give you a starting price: transponder keys from $120, remote-head keys from $150 and smart fobs from $180.
How long does it take?
Once a technician is on site, many all-keys-lost jobs are done in roughly an hour, but it varies widely by vehicle. Some cars program in minutes; others require a longer security procedure built into the car, and a few need dealer-only parts. Travel time depends on where our technician is and traffic. We'll give you realistic timing on the call rather than a promise.
When the dealer is required
Some newer or high-security vehicles can only have keys made by the dealer. If yours is one of them, we'll tell you before we dispatch so you don't waste time or money.
Step 5: Make a spare right away
The cheapest time to make a spare is while the locksmith is already there and programming equipment is connected. Adding a second key now costs far less than repeating an all-keys-lost job later.
Quick checklist
- Search and retrace steps
- Secure the car if the key may be stolen
- Gather ID, registration and VIN
- Call a mobile locksmith for a quote
- Erase lost keys from the car's memory
- Get a spare made
Stuck without a key today? Call or text us any time and we'll walk you through it.