Key Replacement for Cars, Homes & Businesses
Lost keys fall into two camps. Either a copy exists and we duplicate it, or nothing exists and the key has to be originated from the lock or from a code. Both are routine; the second takes longer.
For vehicles we originate from the VIN with your proof of ownership, cut the blade and program the transponder. For doors we either read the code from the cylinder or decode the lock directly and cut to match.
The other half of the conversation is whether replacing the key is enough. If the key is genuinely lost rather than mislaid somewhere in the house, rekeying is worth doing at the same visit so the missing key stops mattering.
What the job involves
-
Cars, doors, padlocks, cabinets
One visit for the whole key ring if you need it.
-
Originated when nothing exists
From the VIN, from a code, or by decoding the lock.
-
Rekey option on the same visit
So the key that walked off stops being a problem.
Key Replacement: what it costs
Typical Austin-metro ranges. Your exact number is quoted on the phone.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Transponder key cut & programmedMost makes from the mid-nineties on | $120 – $250 |
| All keys lostKey originated from the VIN, no tow needed | $200 – $450 |
| Extra keys cut on siteWhile the technician is with you | $3 – $8 each |
| Rekey, per cylinderTwo keys included per keyway | $20 – $35 |
| Service call / dispatchCharged once per visit, never per lock | $29 – $49 |
| Nights, Sundays & holidaysQuoted on the phone before a van is sent | +$25 – $65 |
These are the ranges most jobs in the Austin metro land between. The exact number is quoted on the phone before a technician is dispatched, and it is the number on the invoice. Parts are itemised separately and priced from a rate card, not invented at the door.
Common questions
How long does replacing a car key take?
Thirty to sixty minutes on site with a working key present. All-keys-lost can run longer because some immobilisers impose a security wait.
Can you replace a key from a photo of it?
Not reliably, and we will not pretend otherwise. Key codes and decoding are accurate; photographs are not.
Should I rekey the house as well?
If the key is genuinely lost and it was labelled or on a ring with an address, yes. If it fell down the back of the sofa, probably not.
Part of our Car Key Replacement & Programming work. Covering Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Lakeway, Kyle, Buda, Hutto, Manor and Dripping Springs.
What Austin says
about us
Reviews left by customers across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Pflugerville.
Locked myself out at eleven at night with a toddler asleep upstairs. Quoted me on the phone, arrived in half an hour, had the door open in under five minutes without a scratch on it. Charged exactly what was quoted.
Marisol Trevino
Homeowner, Mueller
We turn over about forty units a year and they handle every rekey. Invoiced to the office, keying schedule emailed the same day, never had to chase them.
Dwayne Whitfield
Property manager, North Austin
Dealer wanted a tow plus two days for a lost Kia key. These guys did it in my driveway in about an hour for a lot less. Two keys, both tested before he left.
Priya Raghunathan
Driver, Cedar Park
Panic bar failed on a Friday during service. They came out after close, fixed it properly and talked me through what the inspector would be looking for.
Ben Ostrowski
Restaurant owner, East Sixth
Locked out? We answer the phone at 3 a.m.
One call gets a licensed, insured technician rolling to you anywhere in the Austin metro.
