Most automotive locksmith work happens where the vehicle is. A key breaks in the ignition at work, keys get locked in the trunk at a trailhead, or a set goes missing somewhere between the house and the store. Towing a vehicle to a dealership to solve any of that is slow and expensive, and usually unnecessary.

We come to the vehicle with the equipment needed for many key cutting and programming services on cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, side-by-sides and other supported powersports vehicles. Key systems vary, so we confirm what your vehicle takes before coming out.

What we handle

Automotive lockout

Keys locked inside the vehicle, or in the trunk. We open cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, work vehicles and RVs without damaging the door, the lock or the glass. If you are somewhere unsafe or have a child or pet inside, say so when you call and we will treat it accordingly.

Car key replacement

For when the working keys are lost and there is no spare. An all keys lost replacement usually involves creating the correct replacement key and programming or pairing it with the vehicle’s security system. The exact procedure depends on the vehicle and can require more steps than making a spare key. This covers RV key replacement where the system is supported.

Car key duplication

A spare, made while you still have a working key. Having one working key available usually means fewer steps, which is why a spare is worth doing before you need it rather than after.

Car key programming

Pairing a key to the vehicle so it will start the engine. We program keys we supply and keys you bought yourself, as long as the part number is correct for your vehicle.

Motorcycle and powersports keys

Lost motorcycle keys, spares and ignition keys, along with keys for many ATVs, UTVs, scooters and side-by-sides. Systems vary a lot between manufacturers and model years, so we confirm what your machine takes before coming out.

Keys we cut and program

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.
Separate remotes for lock, unlock and trunk release.

What affects the cost and the time

There is no single price for a vehicle key, and anyone quoting one before asking about your vehicle is guessing. What matters is:

Year, make and model. A key for a 2008 pickup and a key for a 2022 SUV are different parts requiring different equipment.
Key type and key system. The type of key matters, but complexity is not determined only by whether it is mechanical or push-to-start. Some keys are straightforward, while others require additional cutting, security or programming procedures.
Whether you have a working key. This is often the biggest single factor. One working key available usually means fewer steps.
The vehicle’s security system. Some vehicles require additional security procedures, module access, manufacturer-specific programming or built-in waiting periods.

Tell us those details on the phone and we will tell you what the job involves before anyone drives anywhere.

Common questions

Can you make a key if I lost every one I had?

Usually, yes. This is commonly called an all keys lost situation. We create the correct replacement key and, when required, program or pair it with the vehicle so the security system recognizes it. The exact process depends on the year, make, model and key system, so have that information ready when you contact us.

Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealership?

Generally yes, and there is no towing involved because we come to the vehicle. The saving depends on the vehicle. On a few makes the dealer is genuinely the better route, and we will tell you if yours is one of them.

Can you get into my vehicle without damaging it?

Yes. We use professional automotive lockout tools and safe entry methods to open the vehicle without damaging the door, lock, glass, paint or weather seal.

Do you work on European vehicles?

Many of them, though some makes and model years need dealer-only equipment. Call with the year, make and model and we will tell you straight away rather than after driving out.

Do you make keys for RVs and powersports vehicles?

Where the key system is supported, yes. RV key systems vary depending on the chassis, ignition and entry door hardware, and powersports systems vary between manufacturers and model years. Give us the details and we will confirm before scheduling.

How fast can you get to me?

It depends where you are and what else is running. We work across Columbus and the surrounding communities and we are available 24 hours. Calling gets you a real answer faster than any form.

Automotive Locksmith