How much is a missing lease car key?

The manufacturer's price for a replacement, which varies by car. The ombudsman has accepted that basis even where the company did not replace the key.

Can I be charged for a late service on a lease car?

You can be charged for missed services. If the service was done but late, send the invoice and ask the company to reconsider.

Can a leasing company charge for a missing key or missed services?

Yes to both. A missing key is charged at the cost of a replacement, even if the company never orders one. Missed services are charged per service: one ombudsman decision records £200 for each of three missed services. Both charges can be avoided if you can produce the key or the service record.

Last reviewed 13 November 2026. Every figure links to its source.

Missing keys

The BVRLA describes end of lease charges as covering missing items such as keys and service history as well as damage.¹ In one decision the customer argued the company had shown no loss from the missing key. The ombudsman disagreed: buyers expect a spare key, its absence can lower the car's value, and charging the manufacturer's price for a replacement was reasonable even though no key was bought.²

Another bill charged £175 for a missing spare key, and that stood too.³

If you find the key after the car has gone, send it by tracked post and ask in writing for the charge to be removed.

Service history

The standard expects the car to be serviced on the manufacturer's schedule, with records present and date-stamped or evidenced electronically. In one case the service book showed services only in 2020 and 2023 on a five-year hire. The company charged £600 for three missed services and the ombudsman found that fair.⁴

Getting a service charge removed

Digital service records. Many cars no longer have a stamped book. Ask the dealer that serviced the car for a printout of the manufacturer's digital record.
Invoices. A garage invoice showing the date, mileage and work done is evidence of a service.
Ask what is missing. One firm removed a £100 service history charge when the customer challenged the bill.⁵
Prove the service was done. A £600 charge for three missed services was removed once two were shown to have been carried out, and the firm dropped the third.⁶

What to do with your bill

Ask which services the company says were missed, with dates and mileages.
Send the invoices or the digital record for each.
If a service was late rather than missed, say so and ask for the charge to be reconsidered.

Quick answers

How much is a missing lease car key?: The manufacturer's price for a replacement, which varies by car. The ombudsman has accepted that basis even where the company did not replace the key.
Can I be charged for a late service on a lease car?: You can be charged for missed services. If the service was done but late, send the invoice and ask the company to reconsider.