Losing one key is an inconvenience. Losing every key you own is a different situation, because there is nothing left to copy. The trade calls this an all keys lost job, and it changes what has to happen at the vehicle.

There is nothing to duplicate

A key duplication service copies an existing key. With none in hand, that route is closed. The replacement has to be originated from the vehicle itself.

Two separate operations are involved. The blade is cut to the factory key code, pulled from the VIN or decoded from the lock. Then the transponder chip or fob is programmed to the immobilizer so the engine will run. A key that is cut but not programmed will turn the ignition and go no further. A fob that is programmed but not cut will not open the door.

What you need on hand

• Title, registration, or insurance in your name
• Photo ID matching that paperwork
• The VIN, readable through the windshield at the base of the driver’s side or on the door jamb sticker

Ownership verification is not optional, and you need to be present at the vehicle for it. No automotive locksmith will originate a key without it.

The work happens where the car is

A vehicle with no working key is not going anywhere under its own power. A mobile automotive locksmith brings the cutting and programming equipment to wherever it is parked, so a replacement key for a car is made on site rather than the car being moved to the key.

Useful details to have ready when you call: year, make, model, and whether the vehicle used a bladed key with a chip, a flip key, or a proximity fob with push button start. That determines what equipment comes out.

It takes longer than a copy

Cutting is quick. Programming is where the clock runs. Many immobilizer systems enforce a security delay before they will accept a new key in an all keys lost situation, and that wait runs from a few minutes to over half an hour depending on the platform. Proximity fobs on push button start vehicles generally take longer than bladed transponder keys.

Stolen rather than lost

All keys lost programming normally clears previously registered keys from the immobilizer memory, so the missing key will no longer start the vehicle. If your address appeared on documents that went missing alongside the keys, your home locks are worth reviewing too.

Leave with two keys, not one

The programming session is already open once the first key is working, so the second is added while the technician is still at the vehicle. Asking for the spare car key before the job closes out is what keeps this from happening twice.

No keys and a car that will not start? We handle mobile car key replacement on site, cut and programmed, for most makes and models.