But this article is for a different situation. The one where you've already been through the lockout. You've already turned the house upside down. You've checked the same coat pocket nine times. You've called every place you visited in the last 48 hours. And you've slowly, sinkingly realised:

You don't just need someone to open the car. You need a brand-new key. And there is no spare.

This is called an "all keys lost" situation in the auto locksmith trade, and it sounds catastrophic. It isn't. Here's exactly what to do, what it costs, and why you almost certainly don't need to tow your car to a main dealer.

What "All Keys Lost" Actually Means

It sounds dramatic but the definition is simple: you have no working key to the vehicle. Could be that you lost both keys, or only ever had one and it's gone. The car can't be started, can't be opened (or it's already open from a previous unlock), and there's no way to authenticate a new key against the existing electronics.

Until about 1995, this was a relatively trivial problem. A locksmith could cut a key from the lock or the VIN, and the car would start.

Modern cars are different. Since the late 1990s, almost every car has an immobiliser system. The immobiliser requires the car to recognise a chip inside the key (called a "transponder") before the engine will start. Even if a key fits the physical lock perfectly, the car won't start unless the chip is also recognised.

So replacing a "lost key" isn't just cutting metal anymore — it's cutting AND programming. Both have to happen for the car to actually work.

The Two Options You Have

When you're in this situation, you have exactly two real options.

Option 1 — Main dealer

You arrange to tow the car to a Mercedes / BMW / Ford / Toyota / etc. dealership. They:

1. Order a brand-new key from the manufacturer (3-14 days wait)
2. Verify your ownership using V5C, ID, etc.
3. Cut and program the key once it arrives
4. Charge you for the part, the labour, and often a "set-up fee"

Typical total cost: £400-£1,200 depending on car Typical timeline: 3-14 days from first contact to driving away Plus: towing costs (£100-£300)

Option 2 — Mobile auto locksmith

A mobile auto locksmith comes to wherever your car is. They:

1. Verify your ownership using V5C and ID (same as the dealer)
2. Use their own programming equipment to talk to your car's immobiliser
3. Cut a new physical key from your VIN or lock data
4. Program the new key to the car
5. Test everything works before leaving

Typical total cost: £150-£400 depending on car Typical timeline: 1-3 hours on-site for most vehicles Plus: no towing required — the technician comes to the car

For the vast majority of "all keys lost" situations, Option 2 is dramatically cheaper, faster, and just as effective. A reputable mobile locksmith uses the same diagnostic protocols and key types as the dealer. The difference is mostly about cost structure — dealers carry overheads that mobile services don't.

How the Process Actually Works

If you call a mobile auto locksmith for an "all keys lost" situation, here's what to expect:

Step 1 — Phone diagnostics (5 minutes)

You'll be asked:

• Vehicle make, model, and year — this determines what equipment is needed
• Where the car is currently parked — accessible, safe location?
• Whether the car is locked or unlocked — affects the workflow
• Do you have V5C documents available — needed for ownership verification

If the locksmith can do the job, you'll get a price quote on the phone before anything else happens. Get this in writing (text message, WhatsApp, email).

Step 2 — Arrival and ownership verification (15-30 minutes)

The technician arrives at the car. Before anything else, they verify ownership:

• Your driving licence (matching the V5C address ideally)
• Your V5C logbook (or proof of ongoing ownership if recently bought)
• Cross-reference with the VIN number on the car
• Sometimes additional ID required for high-value vehicles

This isn't bureaucracy for its own sake — it's the legal line between "auto locksmith service" and "vehicle theft assistance." A locksmith who skips this is one to avoid.

Step 3 — Accessing the car and reading the immobiliser (30-60 minutes)

The technician either:

• Unlocks the car if it's currently locked (using non-destructive entry methods)
• Plugs in their diagnostic equipment via the OBD2 port (under the dashboard) or the EIS module directly
• Reads the existing immobiliser data — what keys are programmed, what blanks are needed, what security level the car has

Step 4 — Cutting and programming the new key (30-60 minutes)

• A new physical key blank is cut to match either the existing lock pattern or the original VIN-coded cut
• The new key's transponder chip is programmed to communicate with the immobiliser
• Old key codes are erased (so any lost keys can never start the car again — important security step)
• The car is started with the new key as a final test

Step 5 — Handover (10 minutes)

• You receive the new key
• Warranty paperwork explained (typically 6 months to 2 years on the work)
• Payment taken (card, cash, or bank transfer on-site)
• Tips on ordering a spare immediately (so you don't end up here again)

Total time on-site: typically 1-3 hours from arrival to driving away.

What It Costs (Realistic UK Ranges)

Exact pricing depends heavily on the vehicle. Some realistic UK mobile locksmith costs:

• Older basic vehicles (pre-2010 Ford Focus, Fiesta, Astra, Corsa) — £120-£200
• Standard modern vehicles (most 2010-2020 mainstream brands) — £200-£350
• Premium vehicles (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Range Rover) — £300-£500
• Specialist or very new vehicles — £400-£800 or referred to dealer

These are typical ranges, not guaranteed prices. Every quote is vehicle-specific. The locksmith should be willing to give you an exact price on the phone before dispatching.

For comparison, main dealers for the same work commonly quote £400-£1,200 — plus towing costs.

Things That Affect the Price

• Make and model — Mercedes EIS systems (separate problem covered in our Mercedes EIS guide) and certain Range Rover keys are more complex
• Year of vehicle — generally newer = more expensive
• Whether one or both keys are lost — losing both keys can be more expensive than losing one
• Location — call-out fees may apply for remote or distant locations
• Time of day — emergency out-of-hours work sometimes carries a premium

Documents You'll Need

Have these ready before calling:

• Driving licence (photo of one is fine if it's locked in the car)
• V5C logbook (or recent purchase paperwork if you just bought the car)
• VIN number — the 17-character vehicle ID, usually visible through the windscreen or on the door frame
• Make, model, and year of the vehicle

You don't need all of these to call and get a quote — but you'll need most of them when the technician arrives.

What to Do Right Now

If you've lost your only car key:

1. Don't tow the car anywhere yet. Towing is expensive and almost certainly unnecessary.
2. Don't call a dealer first. Get a mobile auto locksmith quote first — you'll save hundreds of pounds.
3. Stop searching for the lost key after 24 hours — at this point, it's gone. The cost of replacing it is fixed; the cost of stress isn't.
4. Call us if you're in our service area: 07777 676261.

We cover Greater London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, and Sussex. Most "all keys lost" jobs are completed within 24 hours of your call — usually same-day. All work is backed by warranty (typically 6 months to 2 years depending on the job).

A Note on Security

Once you've lost a key — especially if it had any identifying information on it (vehicle keyring, address tag, anything) — it's worth thinking about the security implications.

A serious mobile locksmith will reset the immobiliser when programming the new key, which means any lost or stolen keys can no longer start the car. This is the most important security step. Insist on it.

If you're particularly concerned about theft — particularly with newer, higher-value vehicles — a Ghost 2 immobiliser installed at the same time as your new key is worth considering. It adds a PIN sequence that even a stolen new key can't bypass.

Quick FAQ

How long does the whole process take? Typically 1-3 hours on-site from the technician arriving. Plus phone diagnostics and travel time, count on 3-4 hours total from your first call.

Can a locksmith really program a Mercedes / BMW / Range Rover key? For the vast majority of models built in the last 15 years, yes. Newer flagship models (e.g. brand-new Range Rover Sport, Tesla, BMW iDrive 8 vehicles) may require dealer access for the latest software versions. Ask on the phone before dispatching.

What if the locksmith damages my car? A reputable mobile auto locksmith carries professional indemnity insurance. Any damage is covered. Confirm this when getting your quote.

Will the new key work with my factory key fob features (remote unlock, alarm, etc.)? Yes, in most cases. The new key is functionally identical to the original — just programmed by a locksmith rather than the manufacturer.

Do I need to be present for the entire job? You need to be present for ownership verification and to test the new key. The actual programming can run in the background while you wait — bring a book, drink, or work to do.

What if I find my original keys after getting a new one made? The new key has been programmed and your old keys have been wiped from the car's immobiliser. The old keys are now decorative — they won't start the car anymore. This is the correct security outcome, but it's worth knowing.

Can I just buy a key online and program it myself? For most modern cars, no. You can buy a key blank online for £20-£50, but programming requires dealer-grade equipment that costs thousands. Even if you bought the equipment, most cars require a security token from the manufacturer to allow programming. Not a DIY job in 2026.

Get Help Now

Lost your only car key and need a replacement?

Call 07777 676261 or WhatsApp us on +44 7777 676261.

For non-urgent quotes or to arrange a spare key while you still have a working one (much cheaper than waiting for a lost-key emergency), use our contact form.

Whatever you do — don't tow the car to the dealer yet. A 5-minute phone call to a mobile auto locksmith could save you hundreds of pounds.

If that's where you are right now — keys locked inside, you outside — take a breath. You're not stuck. You're not in trouble. The vast majority of UK drivers will be back in their car within 30-60 minutes once they make the right phone call. This guide explains exactly what to do, in the order you should do it.

If you're somewhere unsafe — busy road, dark car park, or with a child or pet stuck inside — skip straight to "When You Need to Call Right Now".

First — Don't Panic, and Don't Force the Door

The instinct after locking yourself out is to immediately try doing something. Wiggle the handle. Push the window. Hunt around online for "how to break into your car." Almost all of it makes the situation worse.

Modern UK cars have deadlock systems that engage as soon as the doors lock. These deadlocks make it physically impossible to open the door from the outside — even by smashing a window — without a key or proper unlocking equipment. They also resist most DIY methods, including:

• Coat hangers through window seals → damages weatherstripping (£50-£200 to replace)
• String techniques through door tops → tears door seals, scratches paint
• Slim jim tools → designed for cars from the 1990s, useless on most post-2010 vehicles
• Pumping/wedging the door → bends the door frame, often permanently
• Smashing windows → £150-£500 in replacement glass, plus the deadlock still won't release

If you damage the car trying to break in, you'll pay for repairs and still need a locksmith. It's the worst of both situations.

The single best thing you can do in the first 60 seconds is take a breath, step back, and read the rest of this guide.

Step 1 — Check Every Door and the Boot

Before assuming you're locked out, physically check every door. In a stressful moment, it's surprisingly common to find one door — usually the back passenger side — was never locked. Many central-locking systems have small quirks: if you locked from the driver's side handle while a back door was open, the back door won't engage.

Check in this order:

1. All four doors — try each handle, including back doors
2. The boot — many cars allow boot access independently; if there's a key fob inside the boot you can sometimes get to it via the rear seats
3. Sunroof — if open, may give access to the door unlock button (rare but happens)

About 1 in 6 "I'm locked out" calls we attend turn out to have an unlocked door the customer didn't try. Save yourself a call-out — check thoroughly first.

Step 2 — Locate Your Spare Key

Spare keys exist for moments like this. Common places to find one:

• At home — kitchen drawer, key hook, "safe place" you'll remember in 5 minutes
• With a partner, family member, or housemate who can bring it
• At work, if you keep one in your desk
• With a friend or neighbour who has spare access

If your spare is at home and someone can bring it within an hour, that's almost always faster and cheaper than a locksmith call-out. Wait it out, stay with the car, get them to bring it.

If no spare exists or it's not retrievable — proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 — Decide: Locksmith, Roadside Recovery, or Wait

You have three real options. Here's how to choose:

Option A — Mobile auto locksmith (recommended in most cases)

• Arrives in 30-60 minutes typically
• Opens the car at your location, no damage
• Can also cut new keys if you've lost them entirely (not just locked them)
• Costs £79-£150 typically for a standard unlock
• Best for: any non-emergency lockout, anywhere drivable

Option B — Roadside recovery (RAC, AA, Green Flag)

• Included if you have membership
• Arrives in 30-90 minutes typically
• They can usually unlock cars but may not be able to handle all modern keyless systems
• Best for: members who already pay for it
• Caveat: some breakdown providers will tow the car rather than open it on-site if their on-call technician can't unlock it

Option C — Wait it out

• If the spare is on its way and you're somewhere safe
• If the parking is fine for an hour
• If there's no urgency

Avoid:

• Going to a main dealer (most won't even attempt unlocking; they'll tow the car to a workshop and charge £400-£800+)
• Calling a "general" locksmith (most non-auto locksmiths can't handle modern transponder keys or keyless entry systems — they may damage the car trying)

Will the AA or RAC Open My Car? (The Honest Answer)

Usually yes — if you're a member, and with caveats. Locked keys in the car counts as a breakdown under most AA, RAC, and Green Flag policies, so a patrol will attend and attempt entry as part of your cover. Before you assume that solves it, three things worth knowing:

• Entry isn't guaranteed. Patrols carry general-purpose entry kit and handle straightforward lockouts well, but modern keyless and deadlocked vehicles defeat generic tools. If the patrol can't open the car, the standard fallback is recovery — your car gets towed to a garage, and you still need someone to open or re-key it at the other end.
• Lost keys are a different story to locked-in keys. If the key is visible on the seat, that's entry. If the key is lost, most standard breakdown policies don't cover cutting a new one — key replacement is usually a paid add-on ("key cover") that most people discover they don't have at the worst possible moment. A mobile auto locksmith handles both in one visit: entry, and a new key cut and programmed on the spot if needed.
• Wait times follow breakdown priority, not lockout urgency. A lockout in a safe car park sits behind motorway breakdowns in the queue — on a busy evening that can mean a long wait.

"Who do I call for free?" — the honest answer is that nobody opens cars for free. Breakdown cover feels free at the roadside because you've already paid the membership; if you're not a member, joining on the spot typically costs more than a locksmith call-out. The emergency services will only attend a lockout when there's genuine danger — a child or pet locked inside in heat is a 999 call, and they will break a window rather than pick the lock, because their job is the emergency, not the car.

So the practical rule: member with keys visible inside → breakdown cover is a fine first call. No membership, lost keys, or a keyless car → a mobile auto locksmith is faster and resolves everything in one visit — entry from £98, and a replacement key cut on-site if yours is gone. Call 07777 676261 and we'll tell you honestly on the phone whether your situation is one we should attend or one your breakdown cover handles fine.

Step 4 — When You Need to Call Right Now

In some situations, waiting isn't an option. Call immediately if:

• A child or pet is locked inside, especially in warm weather (dial 999 first if there's any heat or distress risk)
• You're in an unsafe location — busy road, dark and isolated car park, area where you don't feel comfortable
• You're blocking traffic or causing a hazard
• Your engine is running with the keys inside (more common than you'd think)
• The keys have fallen out of reach somewhere only the technician can retrieve

For all of these, the answer is "call a mobile auto locksmith now and tell them the urgency." A reputable service will prioritise you ahead of routine jobs.

Step 5 — When the Locksmith Arrives

Whoever you call — Royale Car Keys, RAC, anyone — they'll need to verify you own the car before unlocking it. This protects you against theft and is non-negotiable.

Have ready:

• Driving licence matching the car's registration address (or a photo of your licence on your phone if it's locked inside the car)
• V5C logbook if you have one accessible — not required but speeds things up
• Any way to demonstrate ownership — a phone insurance app, an email confirmation, etc.

Stay with the car until they arrive. Don't wander off, even briefly — they need you present to verify identity.

How Royale Car Keys Helps

We're a mobile auto locksmith service covering Greater London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, and Sussex. We attend roughly 30-50 lockout calls every month, including:

• Standard lockouts (keys on seat, in boot, in ignition)
• Lost-key situations (no spare available — we cut and program a new key on-site)
• Modern keyless-entry vehicles (Range Rover, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Tesla, and most others)
• Commercial vans (Transit, Sprinter, Crafter, Movano)

Our technicians use non-destructive entry methods — your locks, paintwork, and weather seals stay intact. Most jobs take 30-60 minutes from your call to driving away.

Typical pricing for emergency lockouts starts from £79, depending on vehicle and location. For full pricing details across Greater London, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, see our prices page.

If you're in our service area right now and locked out, call 07777 676261. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Do Next Time (a 30-Second Prevention Plan)

After a lockout, drivers always say "this won't happen again." It usually does. Here's how to actually prevent the next one:

1. Order a spare key if you only have one. Spare keys cost £79-£149 at a mobile locksmith vs £150-£500+ at a dealer. A spare ordered while you have a working original is far cheaper than a "lost all keys" call-out.
2. Keep one key off your main keychain. Hide it at home (not in the car), or give a duplicate to someone you trust nearby.
3. Get into the habit of "keys-out-first" — develop the muscle memory of taking your keys out before opening the door, not after.
4. Consider a keyless-entry-related security upgrade if your car is a relay-theft target. We've written a Ghost 2 vs CAN Phantom comparison covering modern car security.

Quick FAQ

Will the AA or RAC unlock my car? Usually yes, if you're a member. They typically arrive in 30-90 minutes and unlock standard cars. They may not handle all modern keyless or transponder systems — if they can't, they'll often tow the car to a workshop. Worth confirming on the phone before they're dispatched.

Can I get into my car with a phone app? Some newer cars (Tesla, certain BMWs, Mercedes Me, Volvo, etc.) allow remote unlocking via an app — if you have it set up, the app, internet connection, and a charged phone. Check this before calling anyone.

My keys are in the ignition with the engine running. What now? Call a mobile locksmith immediately. This is one of the situations where "wait it out" isn't an option — the engine running, fuel burning, and a heated interior creates real risks if it's a hot day or the car is in an enclosed space.

A locksmith said they'd "drill the lock" — is that normal? For modern cars, drilling should be a last resort, not a first step. A reputable mobile auto locksmith will use non-destructive entry methods first. If the first thing they suggest is drilling, get a second opinion.

What if I call a locksmith and the door turns out to have been unlocked? Most reputable services charge a small call-out fee for false alarms (typically £30-£50). Worth checking beforehand.

Get Help Now

If you're locked out anywhere in our service area — Greater London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, or Sussex — call 07777 676261 or message us on WhatsApp.

For non-urgent advice or to order a spare key, use our contact form.

Stay with your car. Take a breath. Help is closer than you think.

First, take a deep breath. Locking your keys in the boot is incredibly common, especially with modern vehicles that allow the boot to be opened independently while the rest of the car remains locked.

If you are currently stranded anywhere in Greater London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, or Sussex, here is exactly what you should (and shouldn’t) do to get your keys back without damaging your car.

1. Double-Check Every Door

It sounds obvious, but in a moment of panic, it is easy to miss a basic detail. Before you do anything else, physically check every single door handle. If you have a slightly older vehicle or a faulty central locking actuator, one of the passenger doors might still be unlocked. If you can get into the cabin, you can usually pop the boot release.

2. Do NOT Smash a Window

When you are stressed or running late, smashing a window might seem like the fastest solution. Please do not do this.

• It’s Expensive: Replacing modern car glass—especially tinted or heated windows—will almost always cost significantly more than calling an auto locksmith.

• It’s Messy: You will be driving around with shattered safety glass in your seats and air vents for months.

• Security Risk: Your car is now entirely unsecure until you can get the glass repaired, which might take days.

• It Might Not Work: On many modern cars (especially German brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes), smashing the window and pulling the internal handle still won't open the door if the vehicle's deadlocks are engaged.

Need emergency access right now? Royale Car Keys provides 24/7 non-destructive vehicle entry across the South East. We aim to be with you rapidly. Our emergency hotline: 07777 676261

3. Avoid the "Coat Hanger" DIY Trick

You might be tempted to watch a quick YouTube video and try to pry the door open using a wire coat hanger or a screwdriver.

Modern cars are built to withstand exactly this type of attack. Shoving metal tools into your door frame is guaranteed to scratch your paintwork, tear the rubber weather stripping (leading to permanent leaks), and damage the internal locking mechanisms. You will end up causing hundreds of pounds in damage and still have your keys locked in the boot.

4. Call a Professional Mobile Auto Locksmith

The safest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to retrieve your keys is to ask a certified mobile auto locksmith.

How We Get Your Keys Out (Without Damage)

At Royale Car Keys, we specialize in non-destructive entry. We do not pry your doors or break your glass. Instead, our technicians use specialized, dealer-level lock-picking tools (known as Lishi tools) to pick the physical lock cylinder on your car door or boot.

• Zero Damage: The lock is manipulated exactly as the original key would turn it.

• Fast Access: An experienced technician can often pick a vehicle lock in minutes.

• Mobile Service: We come directly to your location, whether you are stuck in a supermarket car park in Gravesend, your driveway in Essex, or the side of the road in South London.

Locked Out Right Now? We Can Help.

Don't let a locked boot ruin your day. Our background-verified technicians are fully insured, licensed, and ready to dispatch to your location 24/7. We offer upfront pricing with zero hidden call-out fees.

Royale Car Keys  07777 676261 and we will get you back on the road in no time.

Author Bio: Royale Car Keys is a premier mobile auto locksmith and vehicle security specialist serving Greater London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. With years of experience, we provide 24/7 emergency vehicle entry, lost key replacement, and advanced immobiliser installations.