LOCKSMITH & SECURITY ADVICE · REVIEWED 13 NOVEMBER 2026
Lost or stolen car keys and replacement fobs
Ask about vehicle compatibility, programming and the security of missing keys before agreeing a replacement.
Contact the insurer and the right specialist
Tell your motor insurer if keys have been stolen and check key or breakdown cover before paying for work. Report theft to police; use 999 for immediate danger or a crime in progress.
- Give the dealer or auto locksmith the make, model, year and whether any working key remains.
- Ask whether they can supply, cut and program a key for that exact vehicle and whether recovery is needed.
- Confirm what the replacement includes: a working remote, starting function and any mechanical key.
Check authority and missing-key protection
Expect identity and vehicle-authorisation checks. Ford, for example, asks for personal identification and vehicle documents for replacement coded keys. Other manufacturers and vehicle arrangements can differ.
- If documents are locked in the car, discuss acceptable verification before attendance.
- For a leased, hired or company vehicle, contact the owner or fleet provider.
- Ask whether missing keys can be removed from the vehicle's electronic authorisation, and whether mechanical access needs separate action.
- Confirm call-out, key, programming, recovery and VAT costs before authorising the job.
Sources & review
Original directory guidance based on the sources below, checked13November2026. It is general information; confirm your own equipment, policy, access rights and circumstances.