automotive · cut + programmed at your car
Car keys, without the dealership day off
The dealer route means a tow you pay for, a service line, and a markup. We cut and program at your car, publish the ranges, and price the exact key by VIN before the van moves — so the number can't change on your driveway.
Four kinds of car key, four honest ranges
Dealer figures are typical 2026 list prices for comparison — and note the one row where the dealer often wins, because pretending otherwise would be a sales pitch.
| Your car | Key type | Our range | Typical dealer | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly pre-2000 | Plain metal key | $65–$95 | $40–$90 | The one case the dealer sometimes wins — we'll say so on the phone. |
| ~1998–2013 | Transponder (chip) key | $140–$240 | $220–$350 | Chip must be programmed to the immobilizer; we do it at your car. |
| 2010s | Remote-head / flip key | $180–$320 | $280–$450 | Key, remote, and programming in one visit. |
| Push-button start | Proximity smart fob | $240–$420 | $400–$800+ | Biggest dealer markup on the menu — and the tow you'd need to get there. |
every key lost?
Still cheaper than the tow to the dealer
With no working key, the car's immobilizer has to learn a new one from scratch — that's the $60–$120 adder, once, on top of the key price. It's honest work at your curb: no tow, no service line, and the fob is tested in your hands before we leave.
told straight
A few European makes (BMW, Mercedes, some Audis) need dealer-only keys. If yours is one, we'll tell you on the phone and you keep your money.
before the van rolls
Three things we'll ask for
Your VIN
Dashboard corner, driver's door jamb, insurance card, or registration. The VIN tells us the exact key your car takes — and gets you an exact price before we roll.
ID + registration or title
Proof of ownership, checked on every key job. A locksmith who'd cut a car key for anyone who points at a car is a theft service with a slogan.
Where the car is parked
Driveway, work parking deck, grocery lot — we come to it. Level and lighting details help the tech pick the right kit before leaving the shop.
Spare-key advice, free: the cheapest day to buy a second key is the day you still have the first one. Ask for a spare quote on any job — (919) 555-0142.
no bait · no switch
Text us a photo of your key. We'll text back a price.
Or call with the VIN and get the exact number in one conversation — before anyone drives anywhere. That's the same promise as every other page on this site.
Mon–Sat 8 am – 6 pm · lockout line answered 24/7