lost car key

chillo3

I'm after a bit of advice as I've lost my only car key for my Suzuki Swift, 1999 car. anyone help with best (& cheapest) way to get this sorted? I need to use the car tomorrow!! Cheers.

GwylimT

Does your insurance have key cover?

chillo3

HI...I've just checked, & no it is not covered......I just changed over my insurance & didn't realise it does not include that!

GwylimT

Okay, well as you don't have a key at all your only option is a garage, either direct from suzuki or from a reputable garage who can order a key for you with the correct chip. Now, you really need two keys! When getting your replacement ask how much it would cost to have two keys, then visit your local key cutting shop (some can do car keys) and ask how much a key would be. If cheaper, stick with one key temporarily and have a second one cut at a key cutter once they have ordered your chip.

You may have to call several garages to find one that has the key you need in stock, otherwise you will have to wait until the keys they order arrive.

When the garage pick up your call they will need to see your V5 and driving licence, to prove your are the genuine owner, yes I know, needing the licence is a bit weird.

Are you sure they are lost and not just misplaced? Where did you last use them?

ballyblack

needing the licence is a bit weird.

maybe to prove your identity

chillo3

Many thanks. I'm pretty sure it is completely lost, but I will have 3rd check around the flat as I did have them on Saturday, but need to cast my mind back to where I last actually saw them in the flat!!! Cheers again, I'll be looking at ringing garages.

facade

Search long & hard.

you are looking at hundreds of pounds for a replacement key, coded to a car that is outside your home. (The car has to be programmed to accept the new key, and reject the lost ones).

When you do find it, pop along to timpsons or any other locksmith and get a copy. They can copy the chip with the right equipment, between £30 and £60 though.

GwylimT

ballyblack wrote: »

maybe to prove your identity

Hmm possibly, but we are able to accept a paper licence without a photo ID.

mad_rich

Just a couple of thoughts.

As said before, you are looking at hundreds of pounds to get a new key cut & coded without a template if your car has an immobiliser. The fact that the car is immobile and the locksmith will have to come to you is a problem. Not only do you have to pay for their time/ call out charge, but they will likely smell blood and see £££ signs as it's 'an emergency'.

Get a few quotes, but if there's any way you can sort an alternative car out for the coming few days, it may give you a bit more breathing room. EIther to find the key, or to get as many quotes as possible.

Can you borrow, or even rent for a few days?

facade

Stating the obvious, but is it in the car?

I have left my keys in the ignition a few times (I'm so easy to distract nowadays, the slightest thing that disrupts routine and I'm all over the place.)

The last time I "lost" the key, it was in the pocket of a jacket hanging up that I had definitely not worn to go out.

I always throw the keys down on the 5th step of the stairs when I come in, then next time I go up, I put them on the dressing table.

Unbelievably, I lost them again the next day, and I had put them in the same jacket pocket. I have absolutely no idea why I did that, not once, but twice.

poppasmurf_bewdley

When I can't find my car keys, they're always in the trousers I was wearing yesterday!