Every car key gone? A new one can start from zero

Yes, a key can be made with no original

Losing the last key does not leave the car stranded until a dealer can fit you in. On most makes and models, a new key can be made at the vehicle with no key to copy. The blade is cut to fit the car's locks, and the chip inside is introduced to the car's computer so the engine agrees to start.

If you still have one working key, that is a simpler job; see spare car key. With none, the car has to accept a brand-new key, and some models need extra steps. Keys sitting on the seat of a locked car? That is a lockout, not a lost key.

If a child or pet is locked inside the car, especially on a hot or very cold day, call 911 first.

Places to look before you pick up the phone

• Pockets of the coat you wore the last day you drove, plus gym and shopping bags
• Anyone else who drives the car, such as a partner, a teenager or a coworker
• The junk drawer at home, where a second key from the car purchase may sit forgotten

If the keys were stolen, or went missing with a house key or anything showing your address, say so on the call. It changes what we recommend for the old keys.

Gather this before you dial (208) 629-0482

• Year, make and model. The VIN is useful as well; it is stamped on a small plate visible through the glass at the base of the driver's windshield.
• Where the car is, and whether it is locked.
• What the lost key looked like: plain metal, a plastic head, a blade that flipped out, or a push-to-start fob.
• Your photo ID plus the car's registration or title.

Registration in the glove box of a locked car? Mention it when you call, and we will talk through how ownership can be shown before anyone heads your way.

What happens at the car

Once you have heard the price, your locksmith drives out from Meridian with a key cutting machine, key blanks and programming tools in the service vehicle. We look over your ID and paperwork first, and only then unlock the car or cut a key. Locked doors are opened with entry tools and methods chosen to avoid damage.

Then the blade is cut and the chip or smart key is programmed to the car. Every new key is tried in the doors and the ignition or start button, and every remote button gets pressed. If something unexpected turns up, such as a worn ignition, you hear the new price before any extra work begins.

Shutting out the keys that went missing

On many vehicles, keys you no longer have can be removed from the car's memory. A lost key's blade might still turn a door lock, but its chip will no longer start the engine. If the old key turns up later, it has to be programmed again before it works.

While we are there, ask about a second key. It turns the next loss into a simple copy. A mobile locksmith is often less than a tow plus a dealer visit, and the car stays where you left it.

Step by step

1. 1
   Tell us what happenedYear, make, model, where the car is, and how the keys went missing.
2. 2
   Hear the priceIt is explained on the phone before anyone drives out.
3. 3
   Key made at the carID is checked, the car is opened if needed, then the key is cut and programmed.
4. 4
   Every button testedDoors, start and remote buttons are tried before the locksmith leaves.