What happens if you’ve lost your car keys?

We’ve all been there. You’ve gone to drive to work in the morning, reach into your pocket, and your keys are gone… oh no! Panic stations. 

There’s never a good time to lose your car keys, but don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. Stay calm and composed, and all will be resolved in quick time. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what to do if you’ve lost your car keys, how much it costs to replace them, and what to do if it’s concerning your lease car. We discuss: 

If you’ve lost your car keys, the first thing you should do is not panic. Losing your car keys is undoubtedly annoying, but in most cases, you’ll find them sooner rather than later. 

Like when you’ve lost anything of importance, retrace your steps. Think about the last place you remember having your keys, check common areas like tables, work surfaces, and pockets, and if you’ve been out, call the last place you visited (shop, cafe, gym etc). You can also: 

• Check inside your car - Although some modern cars won’t let you lock the key inside, this is still possible in an older model, so it’s worth checking through the window. If you’ve got keyless entry and the car is opening, this is a sign it’s nearby! Time to get that detective's hat on. 
• Use a key tracker - If you’re a bit clumsy and lose your keys all too often, consider attaching a tracker to your keys. If you have a smart key fob, it’s worth checking your companion app which might be able to locate them. 
• Ask for help - As always, asking for help is a great way to solve a problem. If you’ve been with family and friends, ask if they’ve seen your keys. If you’re at work, check with security or reception. 
• Call a breakdown service - If you’re locked out, companies like AA, RAC, or Green Flag might be able to help you out. 

If you’ve done all you can to try and locate your lease car’s car keys but aren’t having any luck, the first thing you should do is ring your broker or finance provider. 

They’ll provide you with the correct advice on what you should do and the steps you should take. 

If you’ve taken out a vehicle maintenance contract with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, lost car keys won’t be included. 

If you still can’t find your car keys, it’s time to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes. Start by searching methodically, going room by room to surface by surface. Check between sofa cushions, inside your washing machine, and under furniture. Think of it as part of your daily workout!

If you have a tracker on, activate the sound alert (if there is one) to give you more of an idea. 

If you’ve come to the realisation that you have no clue where your car keys are, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and get a replacement. 

Thanks to technological advancements, it’s not a simple process anymore and can be very expensive. The price you’ll pay will vary on the type of key needed and your situation. Here’s how much you could be looking at (as of March 2025): 

According to Checkatrade, the average price of replacement car keys in 2025 is £240! 

Long gone are the days when every car key is the same. Nowadays, they all come with different features and systems. It’s likely your lost car key will be one of these: 

• Remote key - If you have a new car, it will most likely come with a remote key. These allow you to unlock your car from a safe distance and prevent you from going through the effort of putting your key in the door. 
• Key with transponder chip - A transponder chip is found in more advanced remote keys. When the button is pressed, the car authenticates the key before allowing entry. 
• Flip key - if you drive a used car, it’s likely it will come with a flip key. One of the more popular keys around, flip keys consist of a plastic cap that houses the key, which flips out at the touch of a button. This prevents the key from scratching items in your pocket. It will also include remote key buttons. 
• Keyless entry - A lot of new cars come with keyless entry, which is a high-tech way to get in your car without doing anything. The key sends a radio wave to the car, and once it’s within distance, it unlocks the doors by itself. 

Unfortunately, there’s no fixed price for replacement car keys. The price depends on a range of factors, such as: 

• Type of car key - There’s not one uniform car key type, which means that prices vary. In general, the higher the specification, the more it costs to replace. 
• Make and model - Each manufacturer uses different tech in their car keys, meaning prices vary. Also, if you’ve gone for an advanced model, it will likely have technology affecting the car key, which could lead to higher replacement costs. 
• Location - Unfortunately for those in London, things just cost more than elsewhere. The company you choose for a replacement also impacts costs, as they’ll set their own prices. 
• Time of day - If a company offers out-of-hours service, this will cost more than waiting until the next day. 

This depends on the type of insurance coverage you’ve taken out. Car insurance companies offer the option to add cover for your car keys, but this will not come as standard. 

If you’ve already taken out car insurance, speak to your provider and see if you can add it to your contract. 

Losing the car keys for a lease car is different because you don’t own the vehicle. 

• Contact your leasing company - The first step you should take is to get in touch with your leasing broker or finance provider. They’ll advise on whether you need to find a replacement key yourself or they will handle it (you'll be charged for both). 
• Check your lease agreement - It’s likely that your contract will specify that both keys must be returned at the end of the lease. If you’ve lost a set, expect an extra charge. For more on this, check out our guide, Returning Your Vehicle at the End of the Lease. 
• Arrange a replacement - If recommended by your broker or finance provider, book an appointment with a local dealership or locksmith to replace your keys. Ensure the new set is official and programmed correctly to avoid issues when returning your lease vehicle. 

If you’re a Nationwide Vehicle Contracts customer and have lost your car keys, call one of our experts on 0345 811 9595, and we’ll be happy to advise you. 

Losing your car keys is frustrating and certainly isn’t good for your stress levels (and your bank account). 

However, with a few simple organisational habits you can reduce the chances of it happening again: 

• Create a dedicated spot for your keys - If you don’t already, always store your keys in the same place, whether it’s a hook, bowl, or cupboard. Ensure this is in a safe place and out of reach from windows. 
• Use a key tracker - Attach an Apple AirTag (or any other tracker) to your keyring to make it easier if they go missing. 
• Use a keychain - This might sound like overkill, but a keychain or lanyard makes it harder for your keys to be misplaced. 
• Make it a habit - Always check you have your keys before leaving. Develop a routine where you ensure they are always on you before exiting. 

Losing your car keys is a stressful situation, but there’s always a solution. If you’ve misplaced them, retrace your steps, use a tracking device if possible, and do all you can to find them. 

If it’s a lost cause, find out what keys you have and go about getting them replaced, but keep in mind replacing them can be costly. 

For those driving a lease car, losing your car keys could mean extra charges, so speak to your finance provider or broker, and they’ll point you in the right direction. 

Need more motoring advice? Check out our latest blogs, such as London Parking Fines Rising in 2025 and All You Need to Know About Cruise Control. 

We are also one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of services to suit your every need. For more information, call one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.