23 September 2026 · 3 min read
A stolen car key is more than replacing a piece of plastic. As long as the stolen key is still registered in your car's system, someone can use it to start the vehicle. Here is what you do step by step.
Do this first
File a police report as soon as possible. This is required for any insurance claim and officially documents the theft. Keep the report number. Check that your car is still where you left it and visibly undamaged. Move it to a secured location if you can. Contact your insurer to report the loss, even if you are not making an immediate claim.
Blocking the stolen key
Blocking a car key is not like remotely wiping a phone. Your car's immobiliser does not work over the internet. The only way to render a stolen key useless is to erase all programmed keys from the immobiliser and then program new ones. We carry out this process at your location. We read the security data from the vehicle, erase all existing keys including the stolen ones, and program a new set. Afterwards only the new key works.
Costs and insurance
A new key set starts at €199 incl. VAT. Some comprehensive insurance policies partially cover replacement costs after key theft. Check with your insurer about key theft coverage. We provide an itemised invoice you can submit with your claim. Call us for a quote based on your make and model.