Can You Get Your Car Towed Without Keys? (Yes — Here's How)

Lost your keys, locked them in the car, or the ignition won't turn? You might think your car is stuck — but tow trucks can absolutely move vehicles without keys. Here's how.

How Tow Trucks Handle Keyless Vehicles

Professional tow operators use flatbed trucks or wheel-lift systems to transport cars without keys. A flatbed is the safest option — your car is winched onto the tray without needing the steering unlocked.

Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift for Keyless Cars

Flatbed: Best option. Your car is fully loaded onto the truck. No steering or brakes needed. Ideal for all vehicle types. Wheel-lift: Lifts the front or rear wheels. Can work without keys but may require the steering to be unlocked for longer tows.

What About Automatic Transmissions?

Cars with automatic transmissions in 'Park' can still be loaded onto a flatbed. For wheel-lift towing, the operator may need to put the car in neutral — which some models allow without keys using a shift lock release.

Common Scenarios

Keys locked inside: A locksmith can often get you in faster than a tow. But if you need the car moved, we can tow it. Keys lost entirely: Flatbed tow to your home or a locksmith/dealer. Broken ignition: Flatbed tow to a mechanic.

What to Tell Us When You Call

Let us know: your car's make, model, and year; whether it's manual or automatic; where the car is located; and where you'd like it taken. This helps us send the right truck.

Call Any Car Towing Melbourne

We handle keyless vehicle recovery every day. Call 0413 176 223 for a fast, affordable tow — keys or no keys.