If you’ve lost your only car key, the first question is almost always the same: what is this going to cost me? The honest answer is “it depends on the key,” but the ranges are predictable. Here is how it breaks down for most vehicles on the road in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
The four key types, cheapest to most expensive
- Basic mechanical key (older vehicles, no chip) — often under $40 to cut a copy. All-keys-lost is a little more because the key has to be cut to the lock.
- Transponder key (a chip in the head of the key) — typically from $110–$160 cut and programmed on site. This covers most cars built from the early 2000s to the mid-2010s.
- Laser-cut / “sidewinder” key — a higher-security blade that needs a different cutting machine. Usually from $160.
- Smart key / proximity fob (push-to-start) — from $180, sometimes more for European makes. These take longer to program.
You can see the current ranges on our pricing page, and the specifics of the work on the car key replacement page.
Why the dealership is usually the expensive option
A dealer will almost always quote more, and there are two reasons. First, most dealers don’t program keys in-house any more — they sub it out, and you pay the markup. Second, if the car won’t start, it has to be towed to them, and that tow bill lands on you. A mobile automotive locksmith comes to the car, so there is no flatbed and no dealership queue.
“All keys lost” — is it really possible without an original?
Yes, for the large majority of vehicles. The technician reads the lock or pulls the key code, cuts a fresh mechanical blade, then programs the transponder or smart key to the car’s immobiliser. It’s a standard job — usually 30–45 minutes for a transponder key, a bit longer for smart keys and some European models.
What to have ready when you call
Give us the year, make and model and, if you have it, the VIN. That’s enough to confirm we can do the key on the spot and give you a flat price before we dispatch. If you’re somewhere in our service area, a van is usually 20–30 minutes away.
Locked out or down to no working key? Call 561-200-2832 — a real person answers 24/7.