Losing your only car key is what the trade calls an "all keys lost" situation. It is more involved than copying a spare, because there is no working key to read from — but it is solvable. A new key can be cut from the vehicle's key code or by decoding a lock, then programmed to the car's immobilizer. The steps below help you search properly, protect the vehicle and choose how to get a new key made.

Stuck right now? Call (613) 707-4884 and tell us your vehicle's make, model and year.

Step 1: Search Methodically Before You Replace

A replacement is a real expense, so spend a few minutes retracing your steps first:

  • Check pockets, bags, the ignition, the trunk lock and the ground around the driver's door.
  • Call the last few places you visited — stores, gyms and transit offices often keep lost keys.
  • If your key has a tracker tag or your vehicle has a connected app, check its last known location.
  • Ask everyone in the household whether a second key was ever made and forgotten in a drawer.

Step 2: Decide Whether the Key Was Lost or Stolen

If you believe the key was stolen — especially together with something showing your address, such as a wallet — treat the vehicle as at risk. Park it somewhere secure if you can, report the theft to police, and let your insurer know. A stolen key is also a strong reason to have the old key erased from the vehicle's memory when the new one is programmed, so it can no longer start the car.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Whoever makes the key will need to confirm you own the vehicle. Have these ready:

  • Vehicle registration (ownership) in your name, or a letter of authority from the owner.
  • Government-issued photo ID that matches the registration.
  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), visible through the windshield on the driver's side of the dashboard and printed on your registration and insurance documents.

If the documents are locked inside the car, mention that up front — gaining entry and making the key can be handled in sequence.

Step 4: Choose How the New Key Gets Made

There are two main routes:

  • Dealership. The dealer can order a key by VIN and program it in their service bay. Because the car will not start without a key, that usually means arranging a tow and waiting for the part.
  • Mobile automotive locksmith. A locksmith can often generate the key on site — cutting the blade from the key code or by decoding a lock and programming the transponder or remote with diagnostic equipment — so the car does not have to move.

Some vehicles, particularly certain newer or European models, require dealer-only security access to add a key when none are present. A good locksmith will tell you up front if your vehicle falls into that category. For a full comparison of the two routes, see locksmith vs dealership for car keys.

Step 5: Make Two Keys, Not One

An all-keys-lost job takes more work than adding a key to a car that already has one. Once the new key is programmed and working, adding a second key at the same visit is usually far simpler than starting from zero again later. Our guide to car key duplication vs replacement explains why.

What Affects the Cost

Price depends on the key type (plain metal, transponder, remote-head or proximity smart key), the blade style, whether lost keys need to be erased, whether the vehicle needs special security access, and the time and location of the call-out. Insurance policies sometimes include key replacement coverage, so check yours before paying.

Next Step

When you have confirmed the key is gone and have your documents together, see our car key replacement service or call (613) 707-4884 with your make, model, year and location.