Car Key Types We Replace
Standard Metal Keys (Older Vehicles)
Most cars before 1995:
Just a metal key, no chip or electronics. We cut it from your VIN or
existing key. Fastest and cheapest option.
Cost: $75-$150
Time: 15-20 minutes
Transponder Chip Keys (1995-2015)
Most common type we replace.
Looks like a regular key but has a chip in the plastic head. We cut
the metal part AND program the chip so your car's immobilizer
accepts it.
Works on: Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, Nissan,
Dodge, and most brands from mid-90s to mid-2010s
Cost: $150-$250
Time: 25-35 minutes
Key Fobs with Blade (Combo Keys)
Remote buttons with a flip-out or removable key blade.
Common on Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and others. We
replace the entire fob unit and program both the remote functions
and the blade.
Cost: $175-$300
Time: 30-40 minutes
Smart Keys / Push-to-Start (2010+)
Proximity keys that let you unlock and start without taking the
key out.
Most expensive to replace because of the technology inside. We
program these to work with your car's push-button start system.
Common on: Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Chevy, Honda,
Hyundai, Kia, and luxury brands
Cost: $200-$400
Time: 35-45 minutes
Luxury / High-Security Keys
BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover:
Some luxury brands require dealer-specific equipment. We handle most
models, but certain newer Mercedes and BMW keys need the dealer.
We'll tell you on the phone whether we can program
your specific key or if you need to go to the dealer.
How Car Key Replacement Works
Never used a mobile locksmith for car keys? Here's the
process:
1. You Call or Text
Tell us what happened (lost keys, need spare, fob broke). Give us
your vehicle make, model, year, and location.
We'll confirm we can make your key type and give you a price
estimate and ETA.
2. Verify Ownership
When our tech arrives, they'll check:
- Your photo ID
- Vehicle registration or title
- VIN matches the documents
This protects you from someone making keys to your car without
permission.
3. Cut the Key
Using your VIN or existing key, we cut a new key on our mobile
key-cutting machine. Takes 5-10 minutes.
4. Program the Key
For chip keys, fobs, and smart keys, we connect programming
equipment to your car's diagnostic port and sync the new key. Takes
10-20 minutes.
5. Test Everything
We test the new key:
- Opens the doors
- Starts the engine
- Remote buttons work (if applicable)
- Everything functions correctly
6. You're Done
Pay with cash or card. We give you a receipt. Drive away with your
new working key.
Total time: 30-45 minutes for most vehicles
Pricing: What Car Key Replacement Costs
Honest pricing based on key type:
| Key Type |
Our Price |
Dealership Price |
You Save |
| Standard metal key |
$75–$150 |
$150–$250 |
30–50% |
| Transponder chip key |
$150–$250 |
$250–$450 |
40% |
| Key fob (combo) |
$175–$300 |
$300–$600 |
50% |
| Smart key (push-start) |
$200–$400 |
$400–$800 |
50% |
Why are smart keys expensive?
The technology inside (proximity sensors, encrypted chips, remote
functions) costs more. But we're still 30-50% cheaper than dealer
prices.
Lost ALL your keys?
Costs more than making a spare because we start from scratch using
your VIN. Add $50-$100 to the ranges above.
Weekend/night emergency?
Same pricing — no after-hours surcharges for key replacement.
Why Not Just Go to the Dealer?
Dealership Process:
- Tow your car to dealer ($100-$200)
- Wait 3-5 days for key to be ordered
- Come back to dealer to pick it up
- Pay $300-$800 for the key
- Total time: Almost a week
Our Mobile Service:
- We come to your car (no towing)
- Make key on-site today
- You drive away in 30-45 minutes
- Pay $150-$400 for the key
- Total time: Under an hour
We bring the dealership equipment to you — same
programming tools, just mobile and faster.
What You Need to Get a Replacement Key
To Prove You Own the Vehicle:
You MUST have one of these:
- Vehicle registration (most common)
- Title (if you have it)
- Lease agreement (if leasing)
Plus:
- Photo ID (license, state ID, passport)
- VIN (usually visible on dashboard or driver's door jamb)
Can't find your registration?
- Check glove box
- Check insurance card (often has VIN)
- VIN is printed on dashboard (visible through windshield)
- DMV can provide duplicate registration
We can't make keys without proof of ownership. This
protects you from theft.
Vehicles We Make Keys For
We cut and program keys for virtually every vehicle on Phoenix
roads:
Domestic brands: Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, RAM, Jeep,
GMC, Cadillac, Chrysler, Buick, Lincoln
Japanese/Korean: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda,
Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mitsubishi
European: Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz,
Volvo, Mini, Fiat
Luxury/Special: Most models — some newer BMW,
Mercedes, Porsche may require dealer equipment (we'll tell you when
you call)
Trucks/Vans: Commercial vehicles, work trucks,
fleet vehicles — we handle these too
Not sure about your vehicle? Call with your year,
make, and model. We'll confirm on the phone.
Service Areas: Mobile Key Replacement Throughout Phoenix
We bring key-cutting and programming equipment to your location
anywhere in the Phoenix metro.
Response times by area:
| Area |
Typical Arrival Time |
| Central Phoenix |
15–25 minutes |
| Scottsdale |
20–30 minutes |
| Tempe |
15–25 minutes |
| Mesa |
25–35 minutes |
| Chandler |
30–35 minutes |
| Gilbert |
30–40 minutes |
| Glendale |
20–30 minutes |
| Peoria |
30–35 minutes |
| Surprise |
35–40 minutes |
| Avondale / Goodyear |
35–45 minutes |
We come to you wherever your car is:
- Your home or apartment
- Shopping center
- Street parking
- Apartment complex garage
- Anywhere in the Phoenix metro
Car not drivable? That's fine — we make the key
right where the car sits.
Emergency Key Replacement (24/7)
Lost your keys at midnight? Fob stopped working on Sunday?
Our dispatch runs around the clock.
Emergency key replacement
available nights, weekends, and holidays.
Same pricing 24/7 — no after-hours gouging.
When you call for emergency key replacement:
- Tell us your location and vehicle info
- We'll confirm we can make your key type
- Get you an ETA (usually 20-40 minutes)
- Tech arrives with all equipment needed
- Make your key on-site
Stranded somewhere you don't feel safe? Tell our
dispatcher. We'll prioritize your call.
📞 (602) 744-7531 — 24/7 Emergency
Key Replacement