How much will I get for my car?

The value depends on your vehicle's make, model, year, condition, and kilometers. We offer up to $60,000 for vehicles. Fill out our quote form or call us for an instant valuation based on your specific vehicle details.

Do you buy cars in any condition?

Yes! We buy all vehicles regardless of condition - running or not, damaged, accident vehicles, scrap cars, and even cars with mechanical issues. Your car has value to us no matter its state.

How quickly can you pick up my car?

We offer same day pickup service across Victoria. Once you accept our quote, we can typically arrange collection within hours. Our team works 7 days a week to accommodate your schedule.

Is car removal really free?

Absolutely! We provide completely free car removal anywhere in Victoria including Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Frankston, and surrounding areas. No hidden fees or charges.

What documents do I need to sell my car?

You'll need your vehicle registration papers and proof of identity (driver's license). We handle all the paperwork for the transfer and make the process as simple as possible for you.

We pay on the spot when we collect your vehicle. You can choose instant cash payment or immediate bank transfer to your account. Payment is made before we remove the car.

Do I need a roadworthy certificate?

No! Unlike private sales, you don't need a roadworthy certificate or any repairs done. We buy your car as-is, saving you time and money on inspections and mechanical work.

Can I sell a car with finance owing?

Yes, we can help you settle outstanding finance. The process is straightforward - we'll work with you and your lender to ensure the finance is cleared before or during the sale.

Can You Sell a Car Without the Keys?

Published 2026-01-24 • Selling Guide

Lost your car keys? Had them stolen? Or maybe you're dealing with a car where the keys were never there to begin with — an old wreck, a deceased estate vehicle, a flood-damaged car. Whatever the situation, not having the keys does complicate a sale, but it doesn't make one impossible.

Can You Sell a Car Without Keys?

Yes. There's no legal requirement to have the keys to sell a car in Victoria. Ownership is established through the VicRoads registration records and the vehicle transfer process — not by who's holding the keys.

What keys do affect is price and the pool of buyers willing to take it.

How Missing Keys Affect the Value

For a working car, missing keys can reduce the private sale price by $500–$2,000 or more, depending on the make. Here's why:

Modern cars (roughly 2006 and newer) use transponder keys or smart keys. These can cost: - Basic transponder key (cut and coded): $200–$400 - Smart/proximity key (push-button start): $400–$1,000+ - BMW/Mercedes/Audi smart key: $800–$1,500+

Any private buyer who's looking at your car without keys is factoring in the cost of getting new keys cut and programmed. They'll deduct that from their offer — and then some, because they're taking on the hassle.

Getting Replacement Keys Before Selling

If the car is running and in reasonable condition, it's often worth getting a spare key cut before you sell. The cost is real but predictable. An RACV-approved automotive locksmith or the car's dealer can do this.

For a car worth $8,000+, the investment in a new key ($400) is probably recovered in the sale price. For a car worth $1,500, it's borderline.

Selling Without Keys to a Private Buyer

It's possible but difficult. Most private buyers want to test drive the car. No key, no test drive. And even buyers who are happy to look at a non-running car will factor in key replacement costs.

Disclose upfront in any listing that there are no keys. Surprises at inspection kill sales and waste everyone's time.

Selling Without Keys to a Cash-for-Cars Buyer

This is where the no-key scenario becomes straightforward. Cash-for-cars and wrecker buyers deal with keyless cars all the time. They're not test-driving it — they're assessing its value for parts, metal, or repair. Missing keys factor into their offer (they'll deduct some value) but they won't walk away because of it.

For a non-running car with no keys, this is almost certainly your best path.

What If You Have the Keys but They Don't Work?

Dead key fob battery: usually a $5 fix. Replace the battery in the remote. The mechanical key insert still works to unlock the door even if the remote dies.

Damaged key: locksmiths can often repair or recode, depending on the issue.

Transponder not recognising: could be a key issue or an immobiliser issue. Worth getting a diagnosis before assuming you need a full key replacement — sometimes the immobiliser system itself is the fault.

Selling a Car with a Faulty Immobiliser

If the car won't start because the immobiliser is playing up (as opposed to a dead key), this is a known issue on some makes. VW, Audi, older BMWs, and some older Mitsubishis and Renaults are common culprits.

A faulty immobiliser on a private sale car is a significant deterrent. Most buyers don't want to deal with it. A cash-for-cars buyer will offer based on the car's value with this fault priced in.

Proof of Ownership Without Keys

If you're selling a car with no keys and someone questions your ownership, you need to establish that through VicRoads records — not through holding the keys. Your name in the myVicRoads system as the registered operator is proof of ownership. Photo ID that matches those records closes it.

For inherited cars, deceased estate documentation applies.

Practical Tips

Always disclose missing or non-working keys in any listing or when getting quotes — upfront honesty gets a faster, cleaner transaction
Check the obvious first — a dead key fob battery or a lockout that's never been resolved is not the same as genuinely missing keys
Get an automotive locksmith quote before deciding whether to replace before selling — sometimes it's cheaper than you expect

InstantCashCar buys cars without keys across Victoria. No drama, fair price, same-day pickup. Call 0485 504 187 or visit instantcashcar.com.au for a free quote.