Lost car keys are no reason to panic. Although losing your car key is always inconvenient, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world – and your Toyota dealer can certainly help. Read on for our advice on what to do if your car keys go walkabout.
What should I do if I’ve lost one of my car keys?
Don’t worry. Usually cars come with two sets of keys. If you are in possession of another key and want a replacement for your main key, your Toyota dealer can supply a new one for you relatively simply.
Give them a call (find their details here) and arrange an appointment. They can examine your car and the remaining key, and organise for a new key to be ordered, cut and programmed for you. It usually takes one or two days to arrange lost car keys in this way.
If you do not live within close proximity of a Toyota centre, many police forces recommend contacting a member of the Master Locksmiths Association.
What should I do if I’ve lost all of my car keys?
This is a trickier scenario. If you don’t have any of your car keys and your car has remote locking or other similar features, it will likely have a code that will need to be reprogrammed. It’s also possible that your car will need a new ECU. Toyota has to comply with legal standards when supplying security products, so each process must be carried out by the book.
Due to the security technology within a key and the work involved in replacing lost car keys, losing all your keys can be expensive. The exact costs varies by model but will usually be several hundred pounds or even more. It will also usually take one or two days for the keys to be ordered, cut and programmed.
If you cannot move your car due to lost car keys, you may need to arrange for it to be recovered to your dealer. And if you do not live within close proximity of a Toyota centre, many police forces recommend contacting a member of the Master Locksmiths Association.
What should I do if I’ve locked them in the car?
Locking the keys in a car is a rarer problem than a few years ago, as smart entry or keys with transponders make it much harder to do.
However, if you do manage to lock your keys in the car you should call Toyota Roadside Assistance or your breakdown provider.
Do you have any other advice?
True, this might not sound very helpful if you have lost your keys, but the best course of action is to not lose sight of them in the first place. Get into the habit of keeping your keys in a regular place. Whatever suits you, as long as it’s safe and out of immediate sight.
If your car has so-called ‘keyless entry’, we recommend not leaving your key fob anywhere close to where you park your car, because it could present an opportunity for thieves to use a device known as a ‘relay transmitter’ to remotely access your car.
Why are car keys expensive?
While it might seem that cars keys are simple – they just open the car, right? – they are actually pretty complex. This is one of the reasons why Toyota Car Insurance policies include key cover (vehicle, house and office) as one of the many benefits for policy holders.
From remote locking to keyless entry and start for more recent models, a key can contain a sender, receiver, the physical key itself and other parts – most importantly, the coding that lets it only communicate with your car. It’s the reprogramming process that costs money, as strict control is needed over codes. Like other manufacturers, Toyota must comply with regional standards.
Depending on the car you have, parts may need to be ordered and this can take time. Re-coding keys can be relatively straightforward but nevertheless takes time and labour.
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Hi,how much cost key for toyota rav4 2015?I have just one key.Thanks Hany
Hi Hany, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to get this sorted for you.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Well this is totally not true let me explain I have a Toyota gr Yaris 2020 both of my keys were damaged in a fire in another Toyota car that caught fire. It has taken Toyota over two months to get these keys to the UK when they promised they would arrive on the 20th of November 2024 I was then informed that these keys would not arrive on this date and it would possibly be the new year. Let me tell you the real price but average key for a Toyota is about 300 pounds per key 150 pounds for programming if you lose both keys you’re going to require a key box a digital box located inside the vehicle that reads the signal from the keys or key if it’s a smart key ie you physically don’t have to unlock the car with a key and it starts remotely by placing the key inside the vehicle. If you lose both keys you will require a new ecm key box the total cost for this will be about 3,000 pounds and if my case I am now in month 3 and still waiting. Luckily for me one of my keys is still transponding so I do not require a key box however the key is so badly damaged that the car has been sat at Toyota for over two months. So before you think about buying a Toyota check or the prices because sometimes if these delays it’s better off going and buying a European car because Toyota are absolutely useless at getting car keys. If you want proof please reply to this I am more than happy to send the proof to you how long I have been waiting for keys from Toyota it is not the part’s person in Toyota it is Toyota themselves absolutely diabolical service.
And just to think about it like this for 1 minute if your car is on finance and you are paying monthly imagine the aggravation you have you have. You have to rent a car the car you may get you may not like so you’re driving around in a rental that you do not like it’s probably more reliable than a Toyota though. You’re still going to be paying every month for a vehicle parked up because Toyota are not capable of getting these keys to you if you don’t believe me go bring up Toyota and ask them how long it will get take them to get you a key for your car I guarantee you you will not get it for at least two to three months.
Hi I bought Toyota Corolla Hatchback hybrid 2022 it does come with one key. Does it come with one key usually? Can I get duplicate key at same time?
Hi Syed, thanks for getting in touch.
Yes, your local Toyota Centre will be able to supply a second key. Some vehicles were only supplied with one upon initial delivery due to shortages in the industry.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi I have bought a imported Toyota Prius 2016 with just one key. Can I get a duplicate key ? Thank you
Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre will be able to assist with this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hello, I have an old straight-type remote control key. Can I change it to a foldable one? How much does it cost?
Hi Ivy, thanks for your comment.
Your local Toyota Centre are best placed to take a look at this for you.
Thanks,
TOYOTA CELICA VVT-I (140) 2002 The alarm will not stop when I start the car. Does anyone know where the valet switch is……or if it even has one? I can’t drive my car due to the alarm going off and staying on while the engine is switched on. Please help…..it’s getting cold out there.
Hi Sarah, thanks for getting in touch.
This could indicate an issue with the 12V battery. Please get in touch with your local Toyota Centre so they can take a closer look.
Thanks,
Hi I have a Toyota Yaris 2005 and lost all my keys completely. How can I find a solution and make a new key with a new (fob) the immobiliser. What are my options?
Hi Aurel, thanks for your comment.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to assist with this.
Thanks,