Our research reveals that a car key-related callout took place every seven minutes in 2024. According to our data, two-thirds (62 per cent) of car key callouts were a result of drivers locking their keys in the car. A further fifth of callouts were for keys being jammed in the lock or ignition, whilst 12 per cent were a result of lost keys.
Our research also shows that 9.8 million drivers have found themselves unable to start their car because of a key-related issue at least once.
How about a spare key?
Whilst a spare key may come in handy, further research revealed that three million people needed breakdown assistance because of spare key failures. 6.7 million drivers claim they don’t have a spare key, highlighting how many motorists are at risk of being caught short if their car key is lost, misplaced or damaged.
Seven per cent of drivers have had to call out a technician due to key-related issues, and five per cent have had to break into their own car to retrieve a key.
Replacing a lost car key can be a costly business
Did you know that the average cost of replacing car keys is now £340? Prices vary depending on the make and model of the car, but vehicles with advanced keyless entry systems can cost even more. It shows that simple precautions can help save time, stress and of course money.
How you can take better care of your car keys
To help you avoid key-related breakdowns, John Price, our Technical Lead Engineer shares the following advice:
- Promptly replace the batteries of any failing car keys. When a car key is running out of battery, it will become glitchy at first before failing altogether. Spot the signs early and make sure to replace the battery before it fully runs out to prevent any complete failures.
- Store keys properly. It’s best to avoid extreme temperatures. For example, extreme cold can drain key fob batteries.
- Have a spare key and know where it is. Make sure all drivers in the household are aware of its location.
- Use a faraday pouch. Avoid your keys being relayed or broken while at home by storing them in a faraday pouch. It can help with blocking signals emitted from the keys.
- Have a backup plan. Consider keyless entry options or storing a spare key with a trusted person.
- Use key tracking devices. Tracking devices can help locate misplaced keys quickly.
- Have breakdown cover in place. Check to make sure your breakdown cover includes help with lost or broken keys as standard.
Nobody wants to be left stranded due to something as small as a misplaced or malfunctioning car key. So follow the steps above, plan ahead, and look after your keys (to help look after your wallet).
Can I get a Car Key Cut at a Local Locksmith ?
Very helpful advice. Thankyou
I always buy a clear key fob with an accessible window into which I insert a card with my mobile number on it and the words “if found please call this number”. I have one gor the house keys as well and it saved the day when I lost my keys at a car boot sale. I had them back before I left the site!
I have always done each element of the advice given and never had a key issue in 48 years of driving. Just common sense.
What is a faraday pouch?
Worth reading. Thanks
You mention keys getting stuck in ignition, but don’t suggest a way to avoid or deal with this. Can you add advice for that please.
I think that is very helpful advice, and mainly common sense.
One way of having a spare key to hand is having two drivers, each holding a key and using them regularly. If one key is lost or damaged, get it replaced as soon as possible. With older cars, a self locking boot could be your downfall. Some had doors that could be locked while the key was still inside too.
My ignition switch packed just before Christmas 24
Green Flag towed my car to my home from a supermarket
carpark to my house, I managed to arrange for a locksmith to replace the ignition switch attached to the steering column which took a month
as it was Xmas & cost £800
Tried locking my car but would not lock as my wife had a spare key in her handbag which she had left hidden in the car
So far it hasn’t happened to me.
I have a spare.
But such a good idea to use a pouch, not heard of that.
Will make sure my insurer’s note I want key fob on list
Thank you for giving advice .most useful
Very helpful advice . Cannot do without it.
As well as the comments regarding lost keys – I believe people should also have a spare key fob battery! – I was caught out with a flat battery and could not start my key less car!
All excellent advice. Thank you.
I hang mine round my neck as I lost the spare key with in 24hrs of buying my slk Mercedes
Very good advice thank you
Good advice as usual
Thanks, just a very timely reminder!
Always, always, always have a spare key. If you buy a used car and it comes with only one key regard it as urgent to buy a spare, and you may wish to factor that into the price you are prepared to pay for the car.
And also take the spare with you when you go on holiday!
All the time I’ve had my Mondeo it says that my key battery is flat! It isn’t!
All about “thinking ahead” to be prepared for the unexpected! Good advice!
I was completely unaware that batteries had to be replaced in car keys?
Good advice – I’ve been locked out of my ‘keyless’ VW when my battery failed. Left me stranded. Now carry a spare battery on my key ring . A Green Flag logo’d key fob with battery storage would be a decent piece of members merch.
Thanks for key reminders, although I’m more pleased that for the first time ever in many years with GF, someone has read my details & addressed me correctly as Paula ,and not Pauline.
Very good advice
On some vehicles if you open the boot only (not the other doors) and then shut the boot with your keys inside! You will have lock them inside the vehicle. Be warned this happened to me.
On some vehicles if you open the boot only (not the other doors) and then shut the boot with your keys inside! You will have lock them inside the vehicle. Be warned this happened to me.
Thank you for your hapgood advice.
Good advice but common sense, to quote Voltaire, common sense is not that common, I always give my spare key to my wife when going away, just in case, so we have it with us.
Thank you for the advice, however i have found that placing my Skoda key, which is a radio key on constant broadcast, in a faraday pouch, this may stop the signal being scanned, but drains the battery twice as quick as being out of the pouch. The battery only lasts 6 – 8 weeks, since it cannot log into the car, as it needs too.
How long do the batteries in a car key last. My previous car, a Vauxhall Zafira, had central locking via the press of the key and it lasted 14 years till it was towed for scrap. Is there any data on the car manufacturer’s, with the longest lasting keys? What are the signs of a failing key battery?
Best advice I had was to put them in a magnetic box under the car somewhere ! Not had to use them yet but I check them regularly, will do a swap round soon
Thankfully I’ve never lost a car key yet, but I know there’s always a first time, should I ever do nice to know Green Flag is only a phone call away.
I always take two keys separately one in my car and the other key in my pocket! Why do car manufacturers give you two keys
There are additional tips needed for cars that start with a button, the keys are constantly talking to the car and batteries run down faster, so its wise to carry batteries for replacement. However, if you carry a spare key, it will also talk to the car and you run the risk if running the main car battery down. Tips for these types of cars would be helpful.
Very informative