Lost Car Keys in Winchester

When one key of a pair goes missing you still have a car you can drive. When the last one goes, the vehicle stops being usable until a new key is programmed to it. That second situation is what most of these calls are about.

The vehicle does not need to be moved. We attend wherever it is parked in Winchester and carry out the work there.

An all-keys-lost job starts from nothing: no key to copy and no key the car recognises. A blade is produced from the lock or from key data for your vehicle, then the new key is programmed through the car's own systems until the immobiliser accepts it.

It takes longer than adding a spare and the procedure differs considerably between makes. Checking the registration first tells us what we are dealing with.

A stolen key is a security problem as well as an access one. On many vehicles previously stored keys can be erased when the new key is programmed, so the missing key no longer starts the car. Whether that is supported depends on the make, model and year.

If a bag with your address and registration went missing together, treat it as urgent and report it.

A missing original is not a barrier on most vehicles. What is required is proof the car is yours — photo identification plus the V5C, an insurance certificate or similar documentation. No key is cut or programmed without it.

• Confirm the key type your vehicle uses
• Gain entry where the car is locked, if needed
• Cut a key blade to the vehicle
• Programme the transponder so the immobiliser accepts it
• Pair remote locking or a proximity smart key where fitted
• Erase previously stored keys where the vehicle supports it
• Test the key before finishing

Related detail: replacement car keys, car key programming and vehicle entry.

Have this ready when you call and the quote will be far more accurate:

• Vehicle registration
• Make and model
• Approximate year
• Current location of the vehicle
• Whether any working key remains — this changes the job entirely