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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Hello I need a new spare key for a Toyota Yaris TR 1.33 2010 model! I have the master key & I also have the master key number. With this information Is it easy to get a spare / 2nd key & roughly how much would it cost please? Thanks Linda
Hi Linda,
Your local dealer will be able to advise you on pricing. We would have to suggest heading there for this advice, alternatively they may be able to advise you over the phone.
Thank you …. do you know if one will be easy to get the fact that I have the master & the key code? I was just looking for a rough estimate of cost as have heard horror stories that they can be in the £100’s!
Hi Linda,
Our dealers have years of experience behind them, and different keys can cost different prices. We can assure you that they will be able to give a quote.
iv got a mk1 yaris 1.3. iv lost the fob, but not the actual key. what are my options?
thanks
Hi Dean,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would have to suggest talking to your local dealer about your options. You can find your nearest dealer here: http://www.toyota.co.uk/find-your-dealer.json. Many thanks.
Why do Toyota charge over £700 for new lock & key for an Aygo? The car only cost £1800.
Seems to me that because it has to be Toyota, they can charge whatever they like.. £700. Just plain greed.
Hi there,
We’re so sorry to hear that you’re unhappy. We would have to recommend contacting customer relations if you would like to take your complaint further. Many thanks!
Did you still have the spare?
hi. I bought a used Toyota prius from BurrowsToyota Sheffield on 20 nov. 2014. they provide me only one car key. as advertised Toyota provide two keys with any used car. I called them many times but only one reply they” try to contect previous owner”. if i want to by new key cost me hundreds. can you explain me what i have to do ?
Hi Sahin,
Thank you for getting in touch with us. We’re sorry to hear you’ve had some issues with this. We would suggest contacting our customer relations team who will be able to look into your enquiry. You can contact them here: http://fal.cn/QFOw
Thanks
Maria
I have a 53 plate Avensis 2ltr diesel hatchback the key fob will not open it due to the access button falling out, Can I have the key fob repaired?
Hi Collin,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would have to advise speaking with your local dealer about this problem. Your nearest Centre will be able to assist you.
We have a Toyota Alphard (import) and need to get an extra key. Is it possible to do this, given that it is not a U.K. model?
Peter.
Hi Peter,
We imagine that this won’t be an option as it’s not a UK specific model. Have you spoken to a UK dealer about this?
Most auto locksmiths can produce keys on site and uk or import makes no difference.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for comment. Getting the key may be simple, however, it is the coding that may be costly. This is the aspect of the process that allows the key to communicate with only your specific vehicle. A strict control is needed over codes and like other manufacturers, Toyota must comply with EU standards.
March 2017 I have just been quoted £177 by my local Toyota dealer to replace/repair my spare key for my Toyota Yaris. ( the spare will actually start the engine and lock the doors but will not open the doors – hence it is not a lot of use as a spare). This is daylight robbery – the car is worth less then £1000. This is not good customer service.
Hi Janet,
We’re so sorry to hear you’re unhappy with the customer service. Unfortunately, the price in which the dealer quotes is usually correct and we would have to advise contacting customer relations if you want to carry this complaint further. Many thanks.
Probably the best reason for not buying another Toyota.I was quoted over £300 by my local dealer for a RAV 4 key,they didn’t mention that cost it when they sold it to me.Now its time to change cars and spend £15000 plus, guess where I WONT be going !
Before you give up on Toyota check the opposition carefully. All keys are getting hugely expensive so don’t give up on a great car for something that will be similar elsewhere!
I have the same issue with a Hilux. £240 for a spare key that starts the engine but will not lock/unlock the doors (not even manually). Neither the dealer or Toyota seem to have an answer apart from changing the ECU – very expensive.