Towing A Car With No Keys Ottawa: Options & Solutions (2026)
🔑 Short Answer
Yes, a tow truck can move a car with no keys. A flatbed tow truck uses a winch to pull the vehicle onto the bed — the car does not need to be running, in neutral, or have the steering unlocked. A wheel-lift truck can also tow vehicles without keys by lifting the drive wheels off the ground. If you need the car moved and you want the keys replaced, our automotive locksmith can handle both. Call (613) 295-2264 any time — 24/7.
There are plenty of reasons you might need to tow a car without having the keys. Maybe you lost them. Maybe you bought a used vehicle and the seller only had one key — and now that is gone. Maybe you inherited a car that has been sitting in a driveway for months. Maybe it is a scrap vehicle headed for the crusher. Whatever the situation, the question is the same: can a tow truck move a car with no keys?
The answer is yes — tow trucks are designed to move vehicles that cannot be started. This guide explains exactly how towing a car with no keys works, when you might need a locksmith instead of (or in addition to) a tow, what it costs, and the specific considerations for modern push-button, electric, and older vehicles in Ottawa.
How Tow Trucks Move Cars Without Keys
Tow operators deal with keyless vehicles every day. Here are the methods used depending on the truck type and situation:
💡 Key point: The main challenge without keys is that the steering wheel is locked and the transmission is stuck in park. A flatbed bypasses both problems entirely because the entire vehicle is lifted. A wheel-lift needs dollies to compensate. The car does not need to be in neutral or running for either method.
Common Reasons You Need To Tow Without Keys
Here are the situations that generate the most no-key towing calls in Ottawa — and the best approach for each:
🔑 Lost Or Stolen Keys
The most common scenario. You have lost your only set of keys, or they were stolen. Best approach: If the vehicle is in a safe location (your driveway, a parking lot), call our locksmith service to make a new key on the spot — this is usually cheaper and faster than towing to a dealer. If the car needs to move immediately (blocking traffic, parked illegally, in an unsafe area), we tow it first and deal with the keys at the destination.
🚗 Bought A Used Car (No Spare Key)
You purchased a vehicle from a private seller, Kijiji, or auction and the only key broke, was lost, or was never provided. Best approach: Flatbed tow to a locksmith or dealer who can program a new key. Bring your proof of ownership (bill of sale, registration) — the towing company and locksmith will need to see it to verify you own the vehicle.
🏚️ Inherited Or Abandoned Vehicle
A vehicle left behind by a deceased family member, a former tenant, or an ex-partner. Keys are often missing entirely. Best approach: If the vehicle has value, tow it to a dealer or locksmith for new keys. If it has no value and you want it gone, 613 Towing’s scrap car removal picks up vehicles with no keys — we pay cash and tow for free. See our scrap car value guide.
♻️ Scrap Vehicle Heading To The Crusher
Junk vehicles being removed for scrap rarely have working keys. This is not a problem — the tow operator winches the car onto the flatbed regardless of whether it starts. No keys, no plates, flat tires, missing parts — we have seen it all. Scrap removal includes free towing with cash payment.
🅿️ Unauthorized Parking Removal
Property managers need vehicles removed from reserved spots, fire lanes, or expired permit areas — the owner is not present and the keys are not available. Tow operators routinely handle this. Proper signage and notice are required under Ontario’s TSSEA towing laws. The Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act outlines the legal requirements for private property towing.
💥 Post-Accident Vehicle
After a serious collision, keys may be lost in the wreckage, damaged beyond use, or the ignition may be destroyed. Accident towing always uses a flatbed and a winch — keys are not needed. For the full post-collision process, see our car accident guide.
Locksmith Vs Tow: Which Do You Need?
Sometimes you need a locksmith. Sometimes you need a tow. Sometimes you need both. Here is how to decide:
613 Towing offers both locksmith service and towing, so we can handle either scenario or combine them in a single visit. Call (613) 295-2264 and describe your situation — the dispatcher will recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Car With No Keys?
Towing a car with no keys costs the same as a standard tow — there is no “no-key surcharge” with 613 Towing. Here is a breakdown of the costs you might encounter:
For a comprehensive price guide, see our Ottawa towing cost guide. A mobile locksmith on-site is almost always cheaper than towing to a dealer for a key replacement — so if the car does not need mechanical work, skip the tow and call the locksmith first.
Special Considerations By Vehicle Type
Not all vehicles are the same when it comes to no-key towing. Here are the specifics:
⚡ Electric Vehicles
EVs must always be flatbedded — with or without keys. Without the key fob, you cannot activate “Transport Mode,” so the parking brake remains engaged and the operator must use the winch or manual brake release procedure. See our EV towing guide for model-specific details.
🏎️ Push-Button / Proximity Key Cars
Most modern cars use proximity key fobs with push-button start. If the fob battery is dead, hold it against the start button — most cars have a backup NFC reader. If the fob is truly lost, the electronic parking brake and shift lock will be engaged. Flatbed with winch is the cleanest solution. A locksmith can program a new proximity fob on-site for most brands.
🔒 AWD / 4WD Vehicles
All-wheel-drive vehicles should never be towed with any wheels on the ground while in park — it damages the transfer case and differentials. Without keys to shift into neutral, a flatbed is the only safe option. This applies to popular Ottawa vehicles like the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4 AWD, and Honda CR-V AWD. Learn more in our flatbed vs wheel-lift guide.
🏷️ Luxury / European Vehicles
BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and other European brands use encrypted key systems that are more expensive to replace ($400–$1,200 at the dealer). A flatbed tow protects the body panels and avoids additional damage. If possible, call the dealer first to confirm key replacement availability and parts before towing — some keys require ordering and can take days.
Proof Of Ownership: What You Need
When you ask a towing company to move a vehicle without keys, they need to verify that you are the legal owner (or authorized agent). This protects everyone from theft. Have these documents ready:
🪪
Photo ID
Driver’s licence or government-issued ID matching registration
🧾
Bill Of Sale
For recently purchased vehicles not yet registered in your name
📜
Estate Documents
Death certificate + executor letter for inherited vehicles
🚨 Important: A reputable towing company will always ask for proof of ownership when towing a vehicle without keys. If a tow operator agrees to move a vehicle without any verification, that is a red flag — legitimate companies protect themselves and their customers from liability. Read our tow truck scam guide for more on identifying professional operators, and our reliable towing company guide for what to look for.
Tips For Dealing With A Missing Key Situation
🔑 Always keep a spare — prevention is the best cure. Keep a spare key in a secure location separate from your primary key. A spare transponder key costs $50–$200 to have made proactively versus $300–$700+ in an emergency. This is especially important for push-button fob vehicles.
📱 Record your key code — your vehicle’s key code (found in the owner’s manual, on the key tag from the dealer, or on a metal plate inside the glove box) allows a locksmith to cut a replacement much faster. Store this code in your phone or a secure digital note.
📞 Call a mobile locksmith before towing to a dealer — a mobile automotive locksmith comes to you and makes a new key on-site for most makes and models. This costs $150–$400 versus $300–$700+ at a dealer, and you avoid the tow fee entirely. Only tow to a dealer if the locksmith cannot handle your specific vehicle.
🔋 Check the fob battery first — before assuming the key is lost or broken, replace the fob battery (usually a CR2032 coin cell, under $5). A dead fob battery is the most common reason for a “no key” situation and the cheapest to fix.
📸 Take photos before the tow — document your vehicle’s condition before any tow truck hooks up, whether or not you have keys. This protects you if any damage occurs during transport. For details on potential towing damage, see our towing damage guide.
🛡️ Request a flatbed for no-key tows — without keys, the steering is locked and the car is in park. A flatbed eliminates all risk since all four wheels are off the ground. This is especially important for AWD, EVs, and luxury vehicles. Check your rights under Ontario’s TSSEA towing laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Towing Without Keys
Can a tow truck move a car that is in park?
Yes. A flatbed tow truck uses a winch to pull the vehicle onto the bed — the transmission can be in park and the steering wheel locked. The entire car is lifted off the ground with all four wheels. A wheel-lift truck can also move a car in park for short distances or with dollies for longer moves.
Does towing a car without keys cost extra?
No. With 613 Towing, there is no surcharge for towing a vehicle without keys. The tow uses the same flatbed equipment and pricing as any other tow — $125–$225 for local service. The winch is standard equipment on every flatbed.
Can you tow a car with the steering wheel locked?
Yes. A locked steering wheel means the front wheels cannot turn, which limits wheel-lift towing to short straight-line moves. A flatbed is the ideal solution because the car does not need to steer — it is winched straight onto the bed and all wheels are off the ground.
Will towing a car in park damage the transmission?
On a flatbed, no — all four wheels are off the ground so no drivetrain stress occurs. With a wheel-lift (drive wheels on ground), towing in park over long distances can damage the transmission. That is why flatbed is always recommended for no-key tows. See our towing damage guide.
How much does a replacement car key cost in Ottawa?
A basic transponder key from a mobile locksmith runs $150–$300. A proximity/push-button fob from a locksmith is $200–$400. Dealer replacement keys cost $300–$700+ depending on the brand, with luxury European vehicles at the high end. A locksmith is almost always cheaper than a dealer for the same result.
Can I scrap a car without keys?
Yes. 613 Towing removes scrap vehicles with or without keys — we winch them onto a flatbed and pay you cash. You will need proof of ownership (registration or bill of sale). Call (613) 295-2264 for scrap car removal.
What do I do if my key fob stops working?
First, replace the battery — most fobs use a CR2032 coin cell (under $5 at any pharmacy). If the new battery does not work, hold the dead fob directly against the push-button start — most vehicles have a backup NFC reader that detects the fob at close range. If neither works, call our locksmith service.
Does the towing company need my keys?
No. A professional tow truck operator can move any vehicle without keys using a flatbed winch or wheel-lift with dollies. However, having the keys makes the process faster and easier — the operator can shift to neutral and unlock the steering, which speeds up loading. If you have the keys, always give them to the operator.
Can a tow truck unlock my car?
A tow truck operator typically does not unlock vehicles — that is a locksmith’s job. 613 Towing offers both services: our locksmith service handles lockouts, key cutting, and fob programming, while our tow trucks handle vehicle transport. Call (613) 295-2264 and describe your situation — we will send the right service.
Is no-key towing available 24/7 in Ottawa?
Yes. 613 Towing’s 24-hour towing and locksmith service operate around the clock, every day of the year. Whether it is 2 AM on a Tuesday or Christmas morning, call (613) 295-2264.