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 I have a Toyota ago it only came with one key and we cannot find it. It is parked outside house. How much will a replacement key cost? How do I go about it?
Hi Wendy, thanks for your comment.
Your local Toyota Centre will be able to arrange for an additional key for your Aygo, they will also be able to price up the cost of this.
Thanks.
Hi we got an Toyota can and the key brok from the holder how can I replace that.
Hi Aishah,
Please contact your Toyota Centre for further assistance with this.
Thanks.
Hi. I have just purchased a Toyota Auris hybrid 2013. It came with 2 wireless key fobs but the battery needs replacing in one of them. When i replace it, will it need reprogramming as I never got a key code for the fobs? Also how can I obtain the key fob code for my vehicle?
HI Daz,
You shouldn’t need to reprogramme the key fob when replacing the battery. This is usually only needed when replacing a broken/lost key fob. We recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre for more information on the key fob code, should you ever need it.
Thanks
Hi There I am possibly about to buy my Aunts aygo (2015). My Aunt has passed away so we will purchase from the Estate. I know the car has two sets of keys but I suspect my cousin has one key and will not hand it over (typical family upset). Is there a way to get a new second key but for security make the ‘missing’ key inoperable ?? So its is central locking with key ignition. Thank you
Hi Claire,
Thanks for your comment. We are sorry to hear about your Aunt.
Your Toyota Centre would be able to disable the key electronically but the mechanical key blade would still allow access to the vehicle.
Thanks.
I’ve lost my Toyota Kluger 2019 fob key , can you start and drive the car with a spare Toyota key without the fob.
Hi Suzana, thanks for your comment.
We are unable to advise on this as it is not a UK vehicle. Please contact Toyota in your area for assistance.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I lost the keys to my Toyota prado V8 today at the mall. I am currently using the spare keys but am worried that someone might use my lost keys to try to open my car and steal it. How can I disconnect the lost key? Or what should I do?
Hi Sheveental, thanks for your comment.
We’re sorry to hear this. Please get in touch with your local Toyota Centre who will be able to help source a new key and disable the old one.
We presume you already made authorities at the mall aware of the lost item, fingers crossed someone genuine will return it to you! If you have another vehicle to block yours in on the driveway until you can get it rectified, this would also be worth doing.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I have had both sets stolen for my 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The car is currently in a Police Compound. How can I get at least one new key and get my car back?
Hi Keith,
We would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota Centre for further assistance with this.
Thanks.
My Toyota Auris (2015) keys got stolen from my house, I have my second key I have moved my car away from home however I am worried when a little while goes by they will steal my car. Are you able to block the old key having access to a new key that could be created by Toyota, so if anyone was to try and steal the car they are not able to?
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment.
Yes, your local Toyota Centre will be able to replace and disconnect the stolen key.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
A piece of key has become detached from the fob of my Toyota Proace Verso. I believe it’s the manual blade. It’s fallen off somewhere and so far I can’t find it. How can I get a replacement
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment.
Your local Toyota Centre will be able to assist with this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I have lost the key to my Toyota Prius plus. A bed one is on order. The car is unlocked. Can I lock it with out a key fob?
Hi Danny,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.