Lost every key to your car? You're looking at a more complex job than a spare key replacement — but it's still completely fixable, often same-day, on the driveway. This explainer walks through exactly how we respond to all-keys-lost calls and what to expect.
All-keys-lost (AKL) means exactly what it sounds like: you have no working key for the car. This is a fundamentally different job from a spare key replacement — and a different conversation to have with us.
A spare key job uses your existing working key as a "reference" to authorise the new one. For AKL we have no reference — so we have to read the cryptographic credentials from the car's immobiliser module directly. That requires different tooling and longer.
Lost both keys entirely. Both keys in a flooded river. Only key in a fire. Keys never delivered with a salvage purchase. Customer never had a second key and the only key was stolen. All of these are AKL.
One key working, one broken/lost = spare key job. Key fob batteries flat = battery replacement and possibly a re-sync. Key turning but not starting = often an ELV/immobiliser fault, not AKL. We diagnose before classifying.
Before we travel for an AKL job, there are a few things we need to confirm. These protect you from theft-related fraud as much as they protect us — they're not bureaucratic, they're sensible.
Send us the reg by WhatsApp or text. We can confirm from the reg whether your specific car is something we can handle, what platform it's on, and what fob is required.
V5C (logbook) showing you as the registered keeper, plus photo ID matching the V5C. If you're not the registered keeper, we need written authorisation from whoever is. This is standard locksmith practice and protects you.
Where the car currently is — home address, workplace, on a public street, in a car park, at a body shop. We come to you; we just need to know where.
For genuine emergencies (locked out, can't get to work), we prioritise. For "want it sorted this week" we book the next available slot. Both work; we just need to know which.
Response time depends on where you are, what time of day, and how busy our schedule is. Here's an honest summary of what to expect.
Same-day response in most cases. Emergencies (locked out somewhere unsafe, urgent work need) within 90 minutes is achievable for most weekday calls.
Same-day response in most cases. Pre-booked next-day slots if our schedule is full.
Same-day response possible but pre-booked next-day usually works better. We confirm honestly when you call.
We cover 7 days, 7am-9pm. Evenings and weekends carry no special charge — we book what fits our schedule, like any other day. Pure "middle-of-the-night" emergencies aren't our offering; we're a programming specialist, not a roadside-recovery service.
AKL jobs follow a clear sequence. The complexity comes from the platform; the steps don't change.
V5C and photo ID checked against the vehicle. We need to be certain we're working on the right car for the right owner.
If you can't even get into the car, we use mechanical locksmith techniques to open it without damage. We unlock from the door lock, not by force.
Once inside, we connect via OBD or bench (depending on platform) to the immobiliser module (KVM/RFA on JLR; CAS/FEM/BDC on BMW; EIS on Mercedes; gateway on Audi/VW).
We read the cryptographic data needed to programme a fresh key from scratch. This is the part that requires AKL-specific tooling.
Pre-coded fob is programmed with the credentials and paired to the immobiliser. New key is now authorised to start the car.
Any keys previously programmed to the car are automatically disabled — they'll no longer start it. Security is restored even if the lost keys are found later by a stranger.
Engine starts, doors lock/unlock, remote buttons work, keyless approach (if fitted) detects the key. All verified before we leave.
AKL jobs are a target for fraud — someone who isn't the legitimate owner trying to "lose" their way into a vehicle. We run these checks every time, not as bureaucracy, but as basic professional practice.
V5C name has to match the photo ID. If they don't, we need a clearly-explained reason (e.g. partner's car, parent's car) plus authorisation from the V5C holder.
We expect the address on the V5C, the location of the job, and ID address to be roughly consistent (or have an obvious reason for not being).
If you've just bought the car privately, we expect the V5C in your name (or the V5C/2 receipt and a clear story). Cars bought at auction or salvage are welcomed but we want to see paperwork.
If we can't verify ownership confidently, we won't programme. We'll explain what would resolve the concern (e.g. waiting for V5C, calling the previous owner). Inconvenient for legitimate customers occasionally, but it's how the industry has to operate.
All-keys-lost is one of our most-common job types — we handle several every week across London and the South-East. Fast response, fixed pricing, no recovery charges. Same software the dealer uses, fraction of the dealer cost, often same-day.
Every quote is fixed before we book. WhatsApp your registration and a brief description of the issue — most quotes back within minutes, 7 days a week.
Send your registration and we'll confirm exactly what's involved and what it costs — fixed price, no surprises. Most quotes back within minutes, 7 days a week.