What kind of key does your car use?
The price and the time it takes depend almost entirely on the key type, so it's worth knowing before you call. Our key finder works it out in four questions. Push-to-start fob lost or broken? See key fob replacement. The short version:
- Plain metal key. Mostly older vehicles. Cut and go.
- Transponder key. A chip in the plastic head talks to the car's immobilizer. The key must be cut and programmed, or the engine won't start even if the key turns.
- Remote-head or flip key. A transponder key with lock and unlock buttons built in. Both the chip and the remote are programmed.
- Smart key (proximity fob). The car has a push-button start. There's often an emergency metal blade hidden inside the fob.
All keys lost vs. adding a spare
Adding a spare while you still have a working key is the easy, lower-cost job, since many cars let a new key be added alongside the old one. When every key is lost, the new key is made from the vehicle's key code or decoded from the lock, and the car's memory is programmed to accept it. Depending on the vehicle, old lost keys can be erased from the car so they no longer start it. If your keys were stolen, ask for that.
The cheapest time to get a spare is before you need one. If you're down to one key, call us for a spare this week, not at midnight in a parking lot.
What to have ready
For any new car key we need proof that the car is yours: photo ID and the registration or title, with names that match. We'll also note the VIN (it's on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield). If the documents are locked inside, we open the car first and check them before making a key.
Dealer vs. mobile locksmith
A dealership can make any key for the cars it sells, but usually needs the car on its lot. That means a tow if all your keys are lost, and often a wait for a part and a service appointment. A mobile locksmith comes to the car and in many cases cuts and programs on the spot.
There are some newer vehicles where the manufacturer restricts key programming to dealers. If yours is one of them, we'll tell you on the phone instead of sending someone out for nothing.
Broken key? Stuck key?
A key snapped in the door or the ignition can be extracted without replacing the lock in most cases. If the broken halves are there, we can often cut a new key from them. Don't try to glue it or force the stub out with a paperclip. That pushes it deeper.
Who does the car key work
Car key cutting and programming is done by our automotive technician. You call or text Rocket Locksmith, we quote the price before dispatch, and the technician comes to your car. Lock work on homes and businesses is done by Rocket Locksmith directly.
Replacement vs. duplication
Duplication means copying a working key. For a plain metal key that's just cutting. For any chipped key, the copy must also be programmed or cloned, or it will turn the ignition but the engine won't start. Replacement means making a key when you don't have a working one: the blade is cut from the vehicle's key code or decoded from a lock, then the new key is programmed to the car.
If you still have a working key, a duplicate is usually the faster, lower-cost job. See car key programming, key fob replacement and lost car keys.
What affects the price
- Key type: mechanical, transponder, remote-head, flip or smart key
- Adding a spare vs. all keys lost
- Vehicle make, model and year (some need special equipment)
- Whether the blade needs cutting from code or decoding
- Parts: key blank, remote shell or smart fob
The price on the phone is the price at the door. We quote the total before dispatch and you approve it before work begins. If something changes once we see the lock, we stop and tell you first.
- Lock or hardware typeA standard deadbolt, a high-security cylinder and a smart lock are different jobs.
- Vehicle and key typeMake, model and year; mechanical, transponder, remote or push-to-start key.
- ComplexityOpening a latch vs. a thrown deadbolt; one cylinder vs. a whole building.
- TimeEvening and short-notice work can cost more than a scheduled daytime visit.
- LocationHow far the nearest technician has to drive, and access (gates, garages).
- Required partsCylinders, locks, key blanks, chips and fobs, itemized on the invoice.
Where we do this
Car Key Replacement & Programming across Broward County and Palm Beach County, plus North Miami-Dade. We're mobile and come to you. Local notes for your city:
HollywoodHallandale BeachFort LauderdaleDania BeachPembroke PinesMiramarDaviePlantationCoral SpringsPompano BeachDeerfield BeachBoca RatonDelray BeachBoynton BeachWest Palm BeachAll service areas
From our work
