Losing every key to a vehicle feels like a much bigger problem than it is. The vehicle does not have to be towed anywhere, and you do not have to wait a week for a dealership appointment. In most cases we come to the vehicle, make a key there, and you drive away.

All keys lost

When there is no working key left, we create the correct replacement key and, when required, program or pair it with the vehicle’s security system. Because there is no working key available, an all keys lost job can require additional cutting, security or programming procedures.

Some vehicles are relatively straightforward. Others require additional security procedures, module access, manufacturer-specific programming or built-in security waiting periods. That is why the year, make and model matter so much on the phone.

One thing worth knowing before we start

Vehicles differ in how they handle existing keys during an all keys lost procedure. Some retain the keys already programmed to them. Others require previously programmed keys to be added again as part of the process, and some manufacturers require two keys present to program at all.

If you have a spare somewhere, in a drawer at home, with a partner, at a family member’s house, tell us when you call and we will account for it during the service rather than you needing us out a second time.

We say this on site and it is written on the invoice. We would rather you heard it on the phone than discovered it in a driveway.

Broken car key replacement

You do not have to have lost a key for it to be unusable. A snapped blade, a cracked shell, a remote head that has come apart, or a key that has stopped reliably starting the vehicle all end up in the same place.

What it takes to put right depends on which part is damaged. Sometimes the electronics are fine and only the shell or blade needs replacing, which is a far smaller job than a full replacement. Sometimes the key is beyond saving and a new one has to be made and programmed. If part of the key has snapped off inside the ignition or a door lock, that has to come out first.

Tell us what happened and what the key looks like now, and we will tell you which of those you are dealing with before coming out.

Keys we make

Basic mechanical keys with no chip.
Transponder keys, where a chip in the head has to be recognized by the vehicle.
Remote head keys, with the buttons built into the key.
Flip keys, where the blade folds into the fob.
Proximity fobs and push-to-start smart keys.

Cars, trucks, SUVs and vans, along with RV key replacement where the system is supported. RV key systems vary depending on the chassis, ignition and entry door hardware, so tell us what you have. Motorcycles and powersports vehicles are handled separately, see motorcycle key replacement.

What affects the price

There is no single price for a vehicle key. Anyone quoting one before asking about your vehicle is guessing, and the number will change when they arrive. What actually matters:

Year, make and model. Different vehicles need different keys and different equipment.
Key type and key system. Some keys are straightforward, while others require additional cutting, security or programming procedures.
Whether any working key exists. Often the biggest factor. If you have one, this becomes duplication instead, which usually involves fewer steps.
The vehicle’s security system. Some vehicles require additional security procedures, module access, manufacturer-specific programming or built-in waiting periods, which can affect the amount of work involved.

Give us those details and we will tell you what the job involves before anyone drives anywhere. If your vehicle is one of the few genuinely better handled by a dealer, we will say so on the phone rather than after arriving.

Proof of ownership

We check that the vehicle is yours before making a key for it. Registration, title or insurance along with matching ID is normally enough. It is a short step and it is the reason you can trust a locksmith with your vehicle in the first place.

Common questions

Can you really make a key with no original?

Yes, for the large majority of vehicles we service. We can create the correct replacement key and, when required, program or pair it with the vehicle’s security system even when there is no working key available. Give us the year, make, model and ignition type so we can confirm the options before dispatch.

Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealership?

Usually, and there is no towing, which is often the bigger cost. On a small number of makes the dealer genuinely is the better route, and we will tell you if yours is one of them.

Will my old spare key still work afterwards?

It depends on the vehicle and the programming procedure. Some vehicles retain existing keys, while others may require previously programmed keys to be added again during an all keys lost procedure. In many cases an existing compatible key can be programmed again, but this depends on the vehicle and on the condition and compatibility of the key. Mention any spare keys when you contact us so we can account for them during the service.

How long does it take?

It depends on the vehicle and the type of key system. Some replacements are straightforward, while others require additional security procedures, module access, manufacturer-specific programming or built-in waiting periods. Once we know the year, make, model and key type, we can give you a much more realistic idea of what the job involves.

My key snapped. Do I need a whole new one?

Not always. If the electronics are intact, sometimes only the shell or blade needs replacing. If the key is beyond saving, a new one has to be made and programmed. Describe what happened and we will tell you which it is.

Do I need to be there?

Yes. We need someone with proof of ownership present, and the vehicle needs to be accessible.

Car Key Replacement