Key Takeaways

• A qualified mobile locksmith can create a brand new car key even when all keys are lost, for most makes and models, without towing your vehicle anywhere.

• The process involves reading your vehicle's immobiliser data, cutting a new key blade from the lock code or VIN, programming the transponder chip, and testing all functions. Most jobs take 30 to 90 minutes on site.

• An all keys lost replacement costs more than a standard key copy because of the additional diagnostic work involved. Expect to pay $200 to $600+ depending on your vehicle and key type.

Table of Contents

1. Don't Panic: Your Options Are Better Than You Think

2. What to Do Immediately

3. The Step by Step Process

4. How Much Does It Cost?

5. Stolen Keys vs Lost Keys: An Important Difference

6. How to Prevent This From Happening Again

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Getting Back on the Road

Don't Panic: Your Options Are Better Than You Think

Losing all your car keys is one of those moments that feels catastrophic. Your car is sitting there, perfectly functional, but you cannot start it, unlock it, or move it. You might assume you need to tow it to a dealership and wait days for a replacement. That is rarely the case.

A qualified mobile automotive locksmith can come to your vehicle, wherever it is, and create a brand new working key from scratch. No tow truck. No dealership appointment. No days without your car. The locksmith carries the diagnostic equipment, key cutting machines, and transponder blanks needed to complete the entire job on site.

vehicles on Perth roadsThis works for the vast majority of , including Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Holden, Subaru, Honda, Volkswagen, Isuzu, and many others. Even newer smart key vehicles with push button start can be handled on site in most cases.

What to Do Immediately

Step 1: Confirm the keys are actually lost

Before calling anyone, do a thorough check. Retrace your steps. Check coat pockets, bags, under seat cushions, the gap between car seats, gym lockers, restaurant tables, and anywhere you have been in the last few hours. A surprising number of "lost" keys turn up within 15 minutes of a proper search.

Step 2: Secure your vehicle

If your car is in a public location, make sure it is locked. Most modern cars with smart keys auto-lock after a period, but older vehicles may remain unlocked. If your car is in a safe location (home driveway, secured car park), the urgency is lower and you can avoid after hours callout fees by waiting until business hours.

Step 3: Gather your documents

Before calling a locksmith, have the following ready. These are required to verify that you are the authorised owner or user of the vehicle:

• Your driver's licence (photo ID)

• Vehicle registration papers or a current registration sticker

• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is printed on a plate visible through the bottom of the windscreen on the driver's side

No reputable locksmith or dealership will create a key without verifying your identity and your connection to the vehicle. This is a legal requirement in Western Australia under the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act.

Step 4: Call a mobile automotive locksmith

mobile locksmith servicesWhen you call, provide your vehicle's make, model, year, and your location. The locksmith will confirm whether they can handle your vehicle and give you an upfront quote. A good locksmith will also ask about the key type (transponder, smart, remote) and whether the car is in a location they can access. For drivers across Perth, from Joondalup to Rockingham and Midland to Fremantle, cover the full metro area.

The Step by Step Process

Here is exactly what happens when a mobile locksmith arrives to replace your keys in an all keys lost situation.

Figure 1: All Keys Lost Replacement Process

Step	What Happens	Time	Details
1. Verify ID	Locksmith checks your licence and registration against the vehicle	5 min	Legal requirement. No legitimate locksmith skips this step.
2. Read security data	Connect to OBD port (or access immobiliser module on older cars) to read the vehicle's security codes	5 to 15 min	On pre-2005 Toyotas, the immobiliser unit may need physical removal.
3. Decode the lock	Read the lock code from the door lock barrel or retrieve it from the VIN database	5 to 10 min	This determines the correct key blade profile for your car.
4. Cut the blade	Cut a new key blade on a portable precision cutting machine in the van	5 min	The blade is cut to match your specific lock profile.
5. Program transponder	Program the transponder chip or smart key fob to communicate with the vehicle's immobiliser	10 to 30 min	Smart keys take longer due to proximity pairing with body control module.
6. Test all functions	Test engine start, door lock/unlock, boot release, and remote functions	5 min	Every function is verified before the locksmith leaves.
7. Wipe old keys (if stolen)	Remove lost/stolen key profiles from the immobiliser so they can no longer start the car	5 to 10 min	Recommended whenever keys are stolen. Ask your locksmith.

Alt text: Step by step table showing the seven stages of an all keys lost car key replacement by a mobile locksmith, from identity verification through to testing and old key deletion.

The total process typically takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on your vehicle. Japanese and Korean brands (Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia) are generally at the faster end. European vehicles (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen) may take longer due to more complex immobiliser handshake protocols.

How Much Does It Cost?

An all keys lost replacement costs more than a standard key copy because of the additional diagnostic work involved. Here is what to expect.

Figure 2: All Keys Lost Cost by Vehicle Category

Vehicle Category	Locksmith Cost	Dealer Cost	Notes
Japanese (Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, etc.)	$200 to $400	$400 to $700	Well supported. Most jobs under 60 minutes.
Korean (Hyundai, Kia)	$200 to $400	$400 to $650	Similar to Japanese. Good parts availability.
Australian (Holden)	$180 to $350	$350 to $550	Discontinued but parts widely available.
European (VW, BMW, Mercedes)	$350 to $600+	$600 to $1,200+	More complex systems. May take 60 to 90 min.
Commercial (Isuzu, HiAce, Transit)	$200 to $450	$400 to $700	Van and truck keys. Transponder varies by age.
Chinese (MG, GWM)	$250 to $450	$400 to $600	Newer brands. Parts availability improving.

Alt text: Cost comparison table for all keys lost car key replacement showing mobile locksmith versus dealership pricing across Japanese, Korean, European, and commercial vehicle categories.

These figures include the key blank, cutting, programming, and on site service. A dealership will typically charge more and may also require towing ($100 to $250 in the Perth metro area) if you cannot drive the car to them. For a full pricing breakdown, see our guide on car key replacement cost.

Stolen Keys vs Lost Keys: An Important Difference

stolenIf you think your keys were rather than lost, there is an important additional step. You should ask your locksmith to wipe the old key profiles from your vehicle's immobiliser system. This means that even if someone finds or kept your old keys, they will no longer be able to start your car.

On most modern vehicles, this is a straightforward process that takes 5 to 10 minutes during the replacement job. The locksmith reprograms the immobiliser to recognise only the new key (or keys) and rejects all previously registered key profiles.

If your keys were stolen, you should also:

• Report the theft to WA Police (you may need a police report for insurance purposes)

• Contact your car insurance provider to check if lost or stolen key replacement is covered under your policy

• Consider whether your house keys were on the same keyring and whether you need to change your home locks as well

How to Prevent This From Happening Again

Get a spare key made immediately

spare car keyThis is the most important step. Once your new key is working, get a made straight away. Having a spare stored in a safe place (at home, with a trusted family member) means you will never face an all keys lost situation again. A spare key made from an existing working key is significantly cheaper than an all keys lost replacement.

Keep a record of your key code

Your key has a code (sometimes called a bitting code) that identifies the specific cut pattern. Some vehicles also have an immobiliser PIN that can speed up future replacements. Ask your locksmith for these details and store them securely at home, separate from the key itself.

Consider a key tracker

Bluetooth key trackers (like Apple AirTag or Tile) can be attached to your keyring and help you locate lost keys via your phone. They cost around $30 to $50 and can save you hundreds in replacement costs.

Don't keep both keys together

If you have two keys, keep them separate. One in daily use, one stored safely. Keeping both keys on the same ring or in the same bag defeats the purpose of having a spare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a locksmith make a new key with no existing key at all?

Yes. This is called an "all keys lost" service and it is one of the most common jobs for automotive locksmiths. The locksmith reads the security data from your vehicle's immobiliser system and creates a completely new key from scratch. No existing key is needed. See our dedicated page on lost car keys for more information.

Q: Do I need to tow my car to get a new key made?

No. A mobile locksmith comes to your vehicle wherever it is: at home, at work, in a car park, or on the roadside. The entire job is completed on site. This is one of the biggest advantages over going through a dealership. Whether you are in Ellenbrook, Armadale, Scarborough, or Cannington, the locksmith comes to you.

Q: How long does it take to replace a key when all keys are lost?

Most all keys lost replacements take 30 to 90 minutes on site. Japanese and Korean vehicles tend to be at the faster end (30 to 60 minutes), while European vehicles may take 60 to 90 minutes due to more complex security systems. Pre-2005 vehicles that require immobiliser unit removal can also take longer.

Q: Will the old lost keys still work if someone finds them?

That depends on whether the old key profiles were wiped from the immobiliser. If your locksmith only programs a new key without deleting the old ones, any previously registered keys will still start the car. If you are concerned about theft (especially if keys were stolen), ask the locksmith to delete all old key profiles during the replacement job.

Q: Can I claim lost car keys on my insurance?

Some comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia include cover for lost or stolen keys. Check your policy document or call your insurer to confirm. If covered, you may still need to pay an excess, but this is often less than the full replacement cost. Ask your locksmith for an itemised receipt for your claim.

Getting Back on the Road

Losing all your car keys is stressful, but it is a solvable problem. A qualified mobile automotive locksmith can have you back on the road within an hour in most cases, without a tow truck and without a dealership appointment.

The process is straightforward: verify your identity, read the vehicle's security data, cut a new blade, program the transponder, and test everything. For most Perth drivers, the total cost is $200 to $400 for Japanese and Korean vehicles, and $350 to $600+ for European models.

Once you have your new key, do yourself a favour and get a spare made the same week. It is the cheapest insurance you can buy against a repeat of this situation. A spare from an existing key is a fraction of the cost of an all keys lost job, and it takes just 15 to 20 minutes.

Lost all your car keys?

Origin Car Key Specialists provide all keys lost replacement across Perth for most makes and models. Call 0422 911 474 for an upfront quote. We come to you, wherever your car is, and handle the entire job on site.

Lost All Your Car Keys? Here's Exactly What Happens Next

Lost all your car keys? A mobile locksmith can create a new key on site, even with no working key. See the step by step process, costs, and what to have ready.