Lost Your Car Keys in Melbourne? Your Options Explained

Keys locked inside versus keys lost

If you can see your keys inside the car, it is a lockout: the job is getting into the vehicle without damage. If the keys are gone, a new key may need to be cut and, for most cars built in the last two decades, programmed to the car’s immobiliser.

Know your key type

Key type affects what is possible and how long it takes:

• Plain metal blade — older cars, simple to cut.
• Transponder key — a chip in the head talks to the immobiliser; must be programmed.
• Remote or flip key — transponder plus buttons for central locking.
• Proximity / push-start fob — no blade to turn; the car detects the fob nearby.

Have this information ready

It speeds everything up:

• Make, model and year of the vehicle.
• The type of key, if you know it.
• Where the car is parked, including street and suburb.
• Proof of ownership such as registration papers and your driver licence.

Locksmith tip: If the car was stolen along with the keys, report it to police first.

Locksmith or dealer?

What a locksmith can do depends on the specific vehicle. Some cars need dealer-only equipment. Call with the details and you will be told plainly whether we can help with your car or whether a dealer is the better route. Call Balwyn Locksmith Service on 03 4150 3398 — open 7 days, 9 am – 10 pm.

Avoid being stuck next time

Keep a working spare key at home, not in the car. If you are down to your last key, getting a spare made now is far simpler than starting from no keys at all.