Car Key Replacement

For many mainstream vehicles we carry the blanks and equipment to cut and program on site. For others — some newer models, certain European and luxury makes, all-keys-lost situations on tightly locked platforms — only the dealer has the access, and honesty about that saves you a wasted trip.

Having a spare made before you lose the last key is far cheaper than an all-keys-lost replacement. If you still have one working key, mention it, because adding a spare is usually simpler and less expensive than starting from none.

How a replacement key is made

A the San Fernando Valley car-key job runs:

• You tell us the year, make, and model, and whether any working key remains.
• We confirm on the call whether we can do your vehicle on site or it is dealer-only.
• On arrival we verify ownership with ID and registration, then cut and program the key.
• We test that the key starts and locks the car, with the total agreed in writing first.
• If a working key remains, we add the spare to the car's memory, which is simpler than all-keys-lost.
• If your make is dealer-only, we tell you before you book so you are not paying for a wasted trip.

When you need this

• You lost every key to the car.
• You want a spare before the only key goes missing.
• A key or fob broke and no longer works.
• A used car came with only one key.

What affects what you pay

What you pay turns on the hardware and the situation, so we tell you on site and put it in writing first. No work, and no charge, goes ahead without your yes.

The main cost factors are the hardware involved, how the job has to be done, the time of day, and whether parts need ordering in. We walk through those with you on the call so the written quote holds no surprises.

How we keep it honest

We will ask who you are and for something that ties you to the property or vehicle, every time. It is quick, and it keeps the wrong person from ever getting in.

When you call, we give you an honest estimate of how long we will take to reach you based on where our van is and traffic, not a number designed to get you off the phone.

Questions people ask

From the blog

• Rekey or replace your locks? How to tell

  Rekeying and replacing locks solve different problems. A plain guide to which one you actually need — and how to avoid paying for the wrong one.

• Locked out of your house? A calm, step-by-step plan

  A practical, no-panic guide to a house lockout in the San Fernando Valley — what to try first, what not to do, and when to call a locksmith.