Why one key is a risk
When you buy a used car with a single key, you are one bad day away from an all-keys-lost situation, which is the most expensive and slowest kind of key job. With only one key, a loss in the sand, a drop in the water, or a theft leaves you fully locked out of your own car.
Making a spare while you still have a working key is far simpler and cheaper, because the car already trusts the existing key and a locksmith can add another quickly. It is one of the smartest small purchases a used-car buyer can make.
What it takes to make a spare
A mobile locksmith identifies the correct key for your year, make, and model, cuts a blade to match your locks, and programs the new key so the immobilizer accepts it. With a working key in hand, this is usually a quick job done right in your driveway or office lot.
Costs vary by the type of key. A basic metal key is the cheapest, while smart keys and proximity fobs cost more because the hardware and programming are more involved. We always give you an exact quote for your specific vehicle before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
Locksmith versus dealer
The dealer route for a spare is usually pricier and slower, often requiring an appointment and sometimes leaving the car there for the day. A mobile locksmith comes to you, frequently the same day, and handles most makes and models for less.
There is one honest exception: certain newer or luxury vehicles tie key programming tightly to the dealer network by design. If yours is one of those, we will tell you up front rather than waste your time, and we will point you in the right direction.
Still have a key or fob question?
Tell us your year, make, and model and we will confirm exactly what your vehicle needs before we head out.