What Car Key Replacement Costs in Austin
Typical Austin-area pricing. Final pricing depends on the vehicle and job. Call or request a quote for an exact price. The service call is $49 service call + labor.
Pricing last verified: September 2026.
Spare key vs all keys lost
You still have a working key
We can add another key or replace a worn or broken one. The car already recognises your existing key, so this is the simpler job.
Every key is lost
With nothing to copy from, the job has more steps and is priced separately. See how an all-keys-lost job works.
Typical prices by key type
Typical Austin-area pricing. Final pricing depends on the vehicle and job. Call or request a quote for an exact price. These ranges are estimates, not an all-inclusive guaranteed total; the $49 service call + labor is shown separately.
| Key type | Working key exists | All keys lost |
|---|---|---|
Standard transponder / chip key Cut key with an immobilizer chip that is programmed to the car. | $150–$250 | $200–$350 |
Remote-head key Cut key with the remote buttons built into the head. | $200–$300 | $250–$400 |
Standard smart / proximity / push-to-start key Push-button start keys on most domestic and Asian brands. | $250–$400 | $300–$500 |
European / luxury smart key For example BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Land Rover / Range Rover. | $350–$600 | $450–$900+ |
High-security / laser-cut automotive key Milled-edge keys used on many newer vehicles. | $200–$350 | $250–$450 |
Basic metal / non-transponder key Older vehicles with a plain cut key. | $125–$175 | $150–$250 |
Motorcycle key Depends on the make and immobilizer. | $150–$350 | |
Automotive lockout Getting you back into your vehicle. | $125–$225 | |
| Service call | $49 service call + labor | |
Pricing last verified: September 2026.
What's included
A typical automotive key job may include the key or fob, key cutting where required, programming, testing and onsite mobile service. Exact inclusions depend on the vehicle and the job.
What changes the price
- Year, make and model.
- Key type and key system.
- All keys lost vs a working key.
- Parts and key availability, including OEM vs aftermarket and special-order keys.
- Distance, and after-hours, weekend or holiday circumstances.
- Ignition or lock problems and the condition of the vehicle.
- Advanced module or EEPROM work, and special programming.
- Additional keys or remotes.
Service call, quotes and surcharges
- The service call is $49 service call + labor, shown separately from the ranges above.
- We confirm the price with you before we begin work.
- After-hours, weekend and holiday surcharges may apply. We confirm the price before we begin work.
- Additional travel cost may apply outside our normal service area. We confirm it before dispatch.
Mobile locksmith vs the dealer
A mobile locksmith comes to your vehicle, so there is no tow and no trip to a dealership. Whether a dealer or a locksmith costs less depends on your vehicle, so ask each for a written quote for the exact car.
Proof of ownership
We ask for reasonable proof of ownership or authorization: typically a government-issued photo ID plus the vehicle registration, title, or other documentation showing ownership or authorization. The ID doesn't always have to match the registration exactly, because company, fleet, family and authorized-user vehicles are common. We may decline the job if ownership or authorization can't reasonably be established.
Payment and warranty
We accept cash, credit/debit cards and Zelle.
Warranty coverage may vary by key/fob and service. Ask us about the warranty for your specific job.
Customers on our pricing
“Good customer service and was transparent about everything. Definitely had patience as well! I’d recommend everytime! I got a spare key and a key fob with programming. Every price differs depending on what kinda car you got.”
“I called them and they gave me clear and transparent pricing and enabled a spare key and key FOB so I will never be locked out of my vehicle again. Thanks”
“Very personable and thorough in fixing key fob issue. Would highly recommend”
“Great service from Tony - got a replacement key made and programmed. Really helpful!”
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a car key in Austin?
It depends on the key and the vehicle. Typical ranges are listed above, and our service call is $49 service call + labor. Typical Austin-area pricing. Final pricing depends on the vehicle and job. Call or request a quote for an exact price.
Is a spare key cheaper than replacing all keys?
Usually, yes. With a working key there is something to copy and the car already knows it. When every key is lost there is nothing to copy from, so the job has more steps and is priced separately. See our all-keys-lost page for how that works.
Do you confirm the price before starting?
We confirm the price with you before we begin work.
Do you need my car to make a key?
Yes. A modern key has to be programmed to the specific vehicle, so the car needs to be with us. That is why we come to you instead of you towing it.
What is the difference between a transponder key and a smart key?
A transponder key is a cut metal key with a chip the car must recognise. A smart (proximity) key is used for push-to-start cars and communicates wirelessly. Smart keys, especially on European brands, generally involve more work.
Are there extra charges for nights, weekends or holidays?
After-hours, weekend and holiday surcharges may apply. We confirm the price before we begin work.
What do I need to show you?
We ask for reasonable proof of ownership or authorization: typically a government-issued photo ID plus the vehicle registration, title, or other documentation showing ownership or authorization. The ID doesn't always have to match the registration exactly, because company, fleet, family and authorized-user vehicles are common. We may decline the job if ownership or authorization can't reasonably be established.
How do I pay?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards and Zelle.
Is there a warranty on the key?
Warranty coverage may vary by key/fob and service. Ask us about the warranty for your specific job.
