Get Help Replacing a Car Key

Locksmith.contact is a referral website for contacting independent providers. To request a replacement car key, prepare the vehicle year, make and model and say whether any working key remains. The provider must confirm parts, programming, availability and the full price for your vehicle.

A spare or all keys lost?

A request to copy a working key differs from a request with no working keys. Tell the provider whether the car can start and where it is parked. Ask whether the vehicle must be present, whether mobile work is possible and whether transportation is required before arranging a tow.

Agree on the replacement specification

• Mechanical key, transponder key, remote-head key or proximity fob.
• New manufacturer-branded or compatible aftermarket part.
• Cutting, starting authorization and remote functions included.
• Ownership documents required directly by the provider.

Compare the complete quote

• Visit or call-out fee, including any charge if you decline the work.
• Labor for the stated job and what could change the estimate.
• Parts, key cutting and programming, if needed.
• After-hours charges, taxes and the final total before work begins.

Ask about the parts warranty and whether customer-supplied keys are accepted. Compare equivalent specifications with a dealer when practical; no provider type is always cheaper or faster. Read the replacement cost checklist and all-keys-lost guide.

Before ordering a new key

If the current fob stopped responding, consult the vehicle manual and identify what still works. A battery or vehicle-side fault may require diagnosis instead. For a compatible key that needs electronic setup, see programming help. For keys locked inside, see lockout help.