What to do if…
you lose your vehicle keys while you are out and you are stranded

What to do now

1. Make the situation safe before you problem-solve.
   If you are near fast traffic, move to a safer place if you can, such as behind a barrier where there is one, or into a staffed building such as a service station or shop.

   • If your vehicle is stopped in a live lane and you cannot get to a safe place: stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on, put hazard warning lights on, and call 999.
   • If you are stopped somewhere safer, such as a hard shoulder or emergency area, and it is safe to exit: leave by the side furthest from traffic and wait well away from traffic, behind a barrier where there is one.

2. Work out exactly where you are.
   Use your phone map to copy a location pin. Also note the nearest landmark, car park name, services, road number, direction of travel, junction number, marker post, or driver location sign.

3. Do one focused key check, then stop searching.
   Check pockets, bag lining, under seats if safe, the nearby counter, toilet, café table, and the ground where you last stood. If you use a key tracker app, open it now. Keep the search short so you do not stay exposed or miss help.

4. Call the right help.

   • If you feel unsafe, someone is in immediate danger, or the vehicle is stuck in a live traffic lane: call 999.
   • If you are on a motorway or other high-speed road: follow the Highway Code breakdown advice. Use the free emergency telephone where provided and safe to reach. If you are in England and stopped in an emergency area, lay-by, or hard shoulder, you can call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 for advice and assistance.
   • If you have breakdown cover: call your provider and say, “Lost keys,” “locked out,” or “cannot start vehicle.” Give your exact location and say whether the vehicle is blocking anything.
   • If you do not have cover: call a reputable auto locksmith. Ask for the call-out charge, the likely work charge, and whether they can handle your key type, such as a basic key, transponder key, or keyless fob.

5. If the keys may have been stolen, treat it as more than a lockout.
   Move yourself somewhere safe. If there is immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 999. For non-urgent reporting, use 101 or your local police force’s online reporting route. Ask your recovery provider, locksmith, or dealer about removing the missing key from the vehicle’s system and reprogramming replacements.

6. Have the details ready before help arrives.
   Keep your vehicle registration, make, model, approximate year, and proof that you are entitled to the vehicle ready. A provider may check this before opening the vehicle or making a replacement key.

7. Choose the quickest safe route back to mobility.

   • Keys locked inside: a breakdown provider or auto locksmith may be able to gain entry.
   • Keys missing entirely: an auto locksmith may be able to cut or programme a replacement, or a dealer may need to arrange one.
   • Keyless fob missing or suspected stolen: ask specifically about disabling the missing fob and programming a replacement.
   • Too late, unsafe, or far from home: get yourself to a safe place first, then arrange recovery or replacement from there.

8. Tell one trusted person what is happening.
   Message your location, vehicle description, who you have called, the company name, and any arrival estimate they give you.