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.
Read more How to look after your car’s rubber
Hi Iqbal,
Thanks for getting in touch.
There are 2 options that we’d advise.
1. Via the customers insurance change the entire lock set – this is the best option as if the codes are wiped (opt 2) the physical blade can still be used to open the car.
2. A dealer can erase all keys that are not present and code in new keys. This deletes any key code that is not present in the car at that time – but does not change the physical locks on the car.
Hope this helps.
Hi guys,I have a Toyota rav4 2007 model with smart keys. All key lost,bought new keys got new keys but I’m trying hard to programme the new keys. I’m using Otosys im600 key programmer. Any help?
Hi Raynold,
Thanks for your comment.
We’d advise going to your local Toyota dealer as they’d be in the best position to assist you further.
You’ll be able to find your closest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-your-dealer.
Thanks.
Can you tell me why you have insisted that my grandad pay for 5 new keys ?? It’s just cost him 1000 when he only needed 2 keys! I personally think you’ve just took 2 pensioners for a ride!!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We would like to email you regarding this situation as we would like to investigate in to this.
Should we use the email you have provided?
Thanks.
Hi,
Please I lost my remote key,what can I do and is keyless car,Toyota verso,what can I do?
Hi there,
Thank you for getting in touch. We would suggest contacting the parts department at your local Toyota Centre who will be happy to assist you further. You can find your nearest Toyota Centre here:https://www.toyota.co.uk/find-your-dealer
Thanks.
Yes that’s fine
Hello, I am looking to get a spare key for my imported Toyota Hiace – I went to the dealer and they couldn’t help – can you advise me where to start as I can’t seem to find the correct blank easily online.
Thanks.
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, we don’t store key codes for imported vehicles. We would advise for you to contact a locksmith specialist. These can be found by entering ‘new car key import’ into a search engine.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
My dad has a 2011 Auris, that he has exported to Barbados. Usually if he needs any parts, he either buys them whilst he is visiting, or I buy them and send them to him. He has just told me that one of his keys has broken and the other “looks dodgy”. As a result, he would like a replacement pair of keys. What is the easiest way for him to achieve this, keeping in mind that bringing the car to a dealer in the UK isn’t going to work. He could post the broken key to me and I can take that to a dealer, but to send the working key is probably also pretty inconvenient for him. Would be great to hear any options you may have – I have the VIN number if that helps.
Thanks and regards
Trion
Hi Trion,
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a replacement key from a UK centre. Your Dad would have to contact his local Toyota dealer in Barbados.
I have a Toyota Yaris 2003. I lost the spare key but still have the original. Id like to get a replacement spare key, no need for the electronics in it, just want the cheapest way to replace one. What would be the price and how would I get one
Thanks
Hi Katie,
Thanks for getting in touch. We would recommend contacting the parts department at your local Toyota Centre who will be happy to assist you with your query and provide an accurate price.
Thanks.
I have toyota corolla verso 2005 and i only have 1 key
can you help me to get spare key around me for cheap price
, i live in crystal palace
I do appreciate if your can help me
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide a VIN number, we can try to assist you further.
Thanks.
hi
my 2011 aygo has been remotely locked with fob(and my wife has taken key on holiday) but, i need to open car. Can i do this with spare key (non remote?) I dont need to start car, just access it
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide a reg or VIN number, we will be able to assist you further.
Thanks.
Hi I have a 2016 Toyota hilux, I have one key but would like a spare one made, how much is it going to cost ?
Thank you
Hi Jade,
Thanks for getting in touch. In this instance, we would recommend contacting your local Toyota Centre who will be best equipped to provide you with a quote for a spare key. You can find contact information for your local Toyota Centre here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms/forms?tab=pane-dealer.