Towing a Car With No Keys: Is It Possible in Quebec?
Yes, you can absolutely tow a car without keys. A professional tow operator can load and transport any vehicle regardless of whether the keys are present, the steering is locked, or the transmission is in Park. Flatbed trucks lift the entire vehicle off the ground — no keys, no ignition, no problem.
Cost: Same as standard towing | Extra time: 5–10 min for keyless loading | Available: 24/7
Your keys fall into a storm drain. Or they are stolen along with your wallet. Or the fob battery dies and the physical backup key broke off in the lock. Or you bought a non-running project car from a seller who lost the keys years ago. In every one of these situations, you need to tow a car that you cannot start, shift into neutral, or steer — and you are wondering if that is even possible.
It is not only possible — it is one of the most routine calls tow operators handle. Professional tow trucks are specifically designed to move vehicles that cannot move themselves. Lost keys, dead ignitions, locked steering columns, transmissions stuck in Park — none of these stop a flatbed from loading and transporting your vehicle safely.
At Quebec Remorquage, we tow a car without keys multiple times every week — from parking lots, driveways, impound lots, and roadsides across Quebec City. This guide explains exactly how keyless towing works, what methods operators use, what it costs, and what to expect when your vehicle needs to move but you have no keys to move it. For our full service details, visit our breakdown towing page.
How Tow Operators Move a Car Without Keys
The specific method depends on the tow truck type and the vehicle’s condition. Here are the three approaches professional operators use to tow a car without keys:
Method 1: Flatbed Towing (Most Common)
A flatbed tow truck lowers a hydraulic bed to ground level and winches the vehicle onto the platform using a cable attached to the frame or designated recovery points. The vehicle does not need to roll, steer, or be in neutral — it is pulled straight onto the bed. This works for any vehicle in any condition: locked steering, transmission in Park, parking brake engaged, flat tires, or completely dead electrical systems.
Method 2: Wheel Lift With Dollies
For front-wheel-drive vehicles without keys, a wheel lift raises the front wheels while tow dollies are placed under the rear wheels. This allows the vehicle to be transported without any wheels making contact with the road in a driven manner. However, this method is not suitable for AWD, 4WD, or electric vehicles — flatbed is the only option for those.
Method 3: Wheel Lift (FWD Only, Limited Cases)
On a standard front-wheel-drive car, a wheel lift can raise the front (drive) wheels and tow with the rear wheels rolling freely. Without keys, the steering column is locked — which means the front wheels must be off the ground. This method works for short distances, but the locked steering limits manoeuvrability. For longer tows or complex routes, flatbed is preferred.
💡 Tell the Dispatcher: When you call to tow a car without keys, mention the key situation upfront. Tell us: “I have no keys,” the vehicle’s make and model, whether it is FWD/AWD/4WD, and whether the parking brake is engaged. This ensures we send the right truck and equipment on the first trip — typically a flatbed, which handles every keyless scenario.
Common Reasons You Need to Tow Without Keys
Keyless towing is far more common than most people realize. Here are the situations we handle regularly:
🔑 Lost or Stolen Keys
Keys lost at a restaurant, stolen from a gym locker, or dropped somewhere unreachable. The car is fine — but immovable without a tow to a locksmith or dealer for key replacement.
🔋 Dead Key Fob + Dead Car Battery
The fob battery is dead and the car battery died too — no way to open the door electronically or use the hidden key blade. The car cannot be unlocked or started. A tow to a shop resolves both issues.
🛒 Purchased a Non-Running Vehicle
You bought a project car, auction vehicle, or barn find with no keys. The previous owner lost them years ago. The vehicle needs transport from the seller’s location to your garage or a mechanic.
🏚️ Abandoned Vehicle on Your Property
A vehicle left by a former tenant, guest, or unknown person on your driveway or lot — keys are nowhere to be found. A tow removes it from your property. See our scrap car removal if it is junk.
🔧 Broken Ignition or Key Stuck
The key broke off in the ignition, the ignition cylinder failed, or the key will not turn. You technically have the key — but it is useless. The car needs a tow to a mechanic or locksmith for ignition repair.
🚗 Keys Locked Inside the Car
Before requesting a tow, try our car unlocking service first — we can open the door in 5–15 minutes without damage. A tow is only needed if unlocking is not possible due to a deeper issue.
Ownership Verification: Proving the Car Is Yours
When you tow a car without keys, the tow operator needs to verify that you are the legitimate owner or authorized representative. This protects you from vehicle theft and protects the operator from liability. Here is what you should have ready:
- Vehicle registration certificate — The primary ownership document in Quebec. Your name must match the registration. The SAAQ issues this when you register the vehicle.
- Valid photo ID — Driver’s licence or government-issued photo ID matching the name on the registration.
- Insurance card — Proves the vehicle is insured and provides another ownership verification layer.
- Bill of sale (for recently purchased vehicles) — If you just bought the car and have not registered it yet, the signed bill of sale with both parties’ names demonstrates legal ownership transfer.
- Written authorization (if you are not the owner) — If a family member, friend, or employer owns the vehicle and you are arranging the tow, a signed authorization letter or phone confirmation from the registered owner is needed.
⚠️ No Documents at All? If you cannot produce any ownership documentation — registration lost, ID locked inside the car, no bill of sale — the tow operator may still be able to help, but additional verification steps may be required. Call (418) 476-1522 and explain the situation. We work through these cases regularly and can often verify ownership through alternative means.
Towing Without Keys: What It Costs in Quebec (2026)
Good news: towing without keys costs the same as standard towing in most cases. The truck and labour are identical — the only difference is the loading method:
*Call (418) 476-1522 for exact quotes. Full pricing at our towing cost guide.
The only scenario where no-keys towing costs more is when you also need a car unlocking to retrieve belongings before towing — and even then, we bundle both services on one call at a lower combined rate than calling separately.
Towing With Keys vs Without Keys: What Changes?
Practically speaking, the presence or absence of keys affects the loading process but not the transport:
The key takeaway: not having keys adds 5–10 minutes to loading time, but does not change the cost or the safety of the tow. A flatbed handles every locked/stuck/parked scenario without any need to access the interior or start the engine.
No Keys? No Problem. We Tow It Anyway.
24/7 keyless towing • Flatbed equipped • All vehicles • Quebec City area
Keyless Towing for AWD, 4WD, and Electric Vehicles
AWD, 4WD, and electric vehicles already require flatbed towing with keys — and without keys, flatbed becomes even more critical. Here is why:
- AWD vehicles cannot be placed in neutral without the key. The transfer case remains engaged. Dragging any wheels destroys the drivetrain — flatbed is mandatory. See our flatbed towing guide.
- Electric vehicles cannot activate “Transport Mode” without power. If the 12V battery is also dead, the electronic parking brake may be engaged and the wheels locked. The flatbed winch pulls the vehicle on regardless — no electrical system access needed.
- 4WD trucks with the transfer case locked in 4WD mode cannot be shifted to 2WD without the key. All four wheels are mechanically connected. Flatbed is the only safe option.
- Vehicles with electronic parking brakes (increasingly common) cannot release the brake without the ignition on. The flatbed winch overcomes the brake resistance safely during loading.
Quebec has one of the highest AWD ownership rates in Canada due to winter conditions. This means a significant percentage of keyless towing calls require flatbed — another reason to always request one when calling without keys.
Before You Tow: Alternatives to Try First
A tow is not always the first step. Depending on your situation, a cheaper or faster solution may exist:
- Keys locked inside? Our car unlocking service opens the door in 5–15 minutes for $75–$150 — much cheaper than a tow if the car runs fine once you have the keys back.
- Dead key fob? Most fobs contain a hidden physical key blade. Check the fob for a small release button — the blade slides out and fits a hidden keyhole on the driver’s door handle. Our operator can show you if they arrive for a battery boost.
- Spare key at home? If someone can bring a spare key, you avoid both the tow and the locksmith. This is the cheapest option if logistics allow.
- Connected car app? Tesla, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, and others let you unlock and even start the vehicle from your phone. If your phone is locked inside too, borrow one to log into the app or call the manufacturer’s hotline.
- Dealership key replacement? Some dealers offer mobile key cutting — they come to you and program a new key on-site. This costs $200–$500+ but lets you drive away without a tow.
If none of these work, a tow is the right call. Do not attempt to break into your own car or force the ignition — the damage will far exceed the cost of professional help.
Safety While Waiting for a Keyless Tow
Without keys, you may not be able to access your vehicle, run the engine for heat, or turn on hazard lights. These tips keep you safe:
- In winter without car access, seek shelter nearby — a store, gas station, or restaurant. Do not stand outside at -20°C for 30 minutes waiting for a tow.
- If the car is on a roadside, stay away from traffic — stand behind a guardrail or well off the shoulder, even if you cannot turn on hazard lights.
- Place reflective items near the car if possible — a bright bag, jacket, or shopping bag on the roof can improve visibility to passing drivers.
- Share your location with someone — text a friend or family member your GPS location while waiting.
For a complete breakdown safety protocol, read our guide to staying safe while stranded in Quebec. For winter-specific preparation, see our winter survival kit guide.
Related Services for Every Key Situation
Quebec Remorquage handles every key-related emergency through our full service lineup:
- Keys locked inside? Car unlocking — $75–$150, 5–15 min
- Dead battery too? Battery boost after unlocking or tow
- AWD vehicle? Flatbed towing — drivetrain protected
- Accident with lost keys? Accident towing with insurance billing
- Junk car, no keys? Scrap car removal — we pay you cash
- Motorcycle with lost key? Motorcycle towing on flatbed
- Vehicle stuck without keys? Winching recovery + flatbed tow
All services 24/7 across the Quebec City service area — Sainte-Foy, Beauport, Charlesbourg, Limoilou.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tow a car without keys?
Yes. A flatbed tow truck can load and transport any vehicle without keys. The truck’s winch pulls the vehicle onto the platform regardless of whether the transmission is in Park, the steering is locked, or the parking brake is engaged. No keys, no ignition access, and no ability to start the vehicle are not obstacles for professional towing.
Does towing without keys cost more?
In most cases, no. The loading process takes 5 to 10 minutes longer because the vehicle must be winched rather than rolled onto the flatbed, but the towing rate itself remains the same. The only additional cost may occur if you also need a car unlocking service to retrieve items from the vehicle before towing.
Do I need to prove I own the car to get it towed?
Yes. Professional tow operators verify ownership before towing to prevent vehicle theft. Have your vehicle registration, photo ID, and insurance card ready. If your documents are locked inside the car, the operator may verify your identity against the registration visible through the window or use alternative verification methods.
Can you tow an AWD car without keys?
Yes, but only on a flatbed. Without keys, an AWD vehicle’s transfer case cannot be shifted to neutral, meaning all four wheels are mechanically connected. A flatbed lifts all wheels off the ground, eliminating any drivetrain risk. This applies to all Subarus, AWD Toyotas, Hondas, and any vehicle with permanent or selectable AWD.
What if my electronic parking brake is stuck?
Electronic parking brakes that cannot be released without the ignition are a common challenge in keyless towing. The flatbed’s winch has enough pulling force to overcome the parking brake resistance during loading without damaging the brake system. The brakes are designed to handle this type of load — it is similar to the forces experienced during emergency stops.
Should I try to unlock the car myself before calling a tow?
If your keys are locked inside (not lost), try our car unlocking service first — it is faster and cheaper than a tow. If the keys are truly lost or the ignition is broken, towing to a locksmith or dealer is the correct step. Never attempt to break into your own car with improvised tools — the damage often exceeds the cost of professional help.
Can you tow a car I just bought that has no keys?
Yes. Bring the bill of sale showing the purchase, your photo ID, and any paperwork the seller provided. This is a common scenario for project cars, auction purchases, and private sales of non-running vehicles. We tow from the seller’s location to your home, garage, or locksmith for key programming.
Is keyless towing available 24/7?
Yes. Quebec Remorquage provides keyless towing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lost keys and lockout situations happen at unpredictable times — late nights, weekends, and holidays are common. We maintain flatbed trucks equipped for keyless loading at all hours.
Where should I have my car towed if I lost my keys?
If you lost your keys entirely and need a new one, tow to an automotive locksmith (can cut and program most keys on-site, typically $150–$400) or your vehicle’s dealership (more expensive at $250–$600+ but guaranteed OEM key). If the car also has a mechanical issue, tow to your mechanic first — they can arrange the key replacement while repairing the vehicle.
Will my car alarm go off during a keyless tow?
It may. Moving a vehicle without deactivating the alarm system can trigger it. This is normal and not a concern during towing — the alarm will either time out on its own or can be addressed once the vehicle reaches its destination and a new key or battery disconnection is available. The alarm does not affect the tow itself.
Lost Keys? Broken Ignition? We Tow It Regardless.
24/7 keyless vehicle towing across Quebec City. Flatbed equipped.
Locked steering, stuck in Park, parking brake engaged — none of it stops us.