Lost Your Car Key?

We recommend a few ways to recover lost or stolen keys and make the process as painless as possible. 

 

First, make a note of your car’s VIN number. You can do this today. It will be useful when hunting for replacement keys. In newer cars, this will be found on a plaque set into the dashboard and will be visible through the windscreen. For older cars, refer to your log book (V5C). 

 

Automotive locksmiths 

 

Automotive locksmiths provide replacement keys for most cars quickly, as well as reprogramming your vehicle to prevent your old keys from being used in the future, should they be found by thieves. You can search for a local locksmith HERE. 

 

Did you opt for key cover? 

 

Some insurers offer key cover as standard on their policies. Depending on your insurer and the level of cover you pay for, the provided service can range from a simple key replacement to a full aftercare package, with a hire car to drive while you wait for yours to be repaired. If you would like to know more, please call us at Hedon Insurance for quotes. 

 

As a client of Hedon Insurance, we will always check the small print for you. In which case, call us on 01482 707800 to find out what level of cover you have. Claiming for lost keys does affect your no claims discount. 

 

Buying keys from a dealership 

 

This is likely to be the most costly and time-consuming option, but it guarantees you’ll get a set of replacement keys which can unlock your car, first time. This can cost upwards of £200 and could take up to 10 working days. 

 

Call your breakdown service 

 

Some breakdown service providers offer a mobile key replacement scheme and most of the time, their services will be included in the cost of their cover. This method will be quicker and cheaper than visiting a dealership and it works well for drivers living in rural areas, where dedicated mobile automotive locksmiths are few and far between.