Complete Car Key Replacement Service

Lost Your Car Keys? We Can Replace Them On-Site

Losing your car keys is one of the most frustrating experiences any driver faces. Whether you’ve misplaced your only key, had keys stolen, or lost all your keys and can’t access your vehicle, you need immediate professional help. South Austin Locksmith provides complete car key replacement services throughout the Austin metro area.

Our mobile key replacement service brings professional automotive locksmiths directly to your vehicle’s location - whether you’re at home, at work, in a parking lot, or stranded on the roadside. We can make new keys for any vehicle, even if you’ve lost all your keys, without requiring expensive dealer towing or multi-day waits.

Common Car Key Loss Situations

Lost Only Key

If you’ve lost your vehicle’s only key and have no spare, you can’t access or drive your vehicle. We can make a new key and program it to your vehicle on-site, getting you back on the road within an hour in most cases.

Lost All Keys

The worst-case scenario - you’ve lost every key to your vehicle. While more complex than replacing a single key, we specialize in “all keys lost” situations and can create new keys and program your vehicle’s immobilizer system from scratch.

Stolen Keys

If your keys were stolen, you need immediate key replacement plus reprogramming to ensure the stolen keys can’t be used to access your vehicle. We can rekey your locks and reprogram your immobilizer system for complete security.

Keys Locked Inside Vehicle

If you’ve locked your keys inside your vehicle, we provide lockout service to gain entry and retrieve your keys. If you’d like spare keys made while we’re there, we can do that too.

Broken Key

If your key has broken in half or snapped off in your lock, we can extract the broken piece and make a new key on-site. See our Broken Key Extraction service for urgent broken key situations.

Our Car Key Replacement Process

1. Emergency Call

Contact us immediately at (512) 777-0915. Provide your vehicle make, model, year, and location. Describe your key situation - lost all keys, lost spare, stolen keys, etc. We’ll provide pricing and dispatch a mobile locksmith to your location.

2. Fast Response

Our automotive locksmith arrives within 30 minutes on average, fully equipped with:

• Professional key cutting machines
• Transponder programming equipment
• Key code databases
• Blank keys for all makes and models
• Lock manipulation tools (if needed for entry)

3. Vehicle Identification

We verify your vehicle ownership using registration or title. We identify your vehicle’s exact year, make, model, and key type to ensure we cut and program the correct replacement key.

4. Gain Vehicle Access (If Needed)

If you’re locked out due to lost keys, we first gain entry to your vehicle using professional locksmith tools. We access through door locks without damage to your vehicle.

5. Determine Key Code

We determine the correct key code using one of several methods:

• Key code databases (using VIN)
• Decoding door or ignition lock cylinders
• Reading existing key (if you have one)
• Manufacturer key code records

6. Cut New Key

Using precision key cutting equipment, we cut your new key to exact specifications. For newer vehicles with laser-cut or high-security keys, we use specialized equipment to match factory precision.

7. Program Transponder (If Applicable)

For vehicles with transponder keys (most 1996 and newer), we program the new key’s chip to communicate with your vehicle’s immobilizer system. This may involve:

• Adding key to existing keys (if you have one working key)
• All keys lost programming (erasing old keys, programming new ones)
• Immobilizer system reset

8. Test and Verify

Before we leave, we thoroughly test your new key(s):

• Unlock and lock all doors
• Test in ignition cylinder
• Verify engine starts reliably
• Confirm smooth operation in all locks
• Test remote functions (if applicable)

Types of Keys We Replace

Standard Metal Keys

Traditional cut metal keys without chips or electronics. These are the simplest to replace, typically cut on-site within 15-20 minutes.

Transponder Chip Keys

Modern keys with embedded microchips that must be programmed to your vehicle’s immobilizer. We cut the key blade and program the transponder chip on-site.

Laser-Cut Keys (High-Security)

Also called sidewinder keys, these have precision cuts on both sides. We use specialized laser cutting equipment to create exact duplicates.

Smart Keys and Proximity Keys

Advanced keyless entry and push-button start fobs. We can program new smart keys and proximity fobs for all makes and models.

Key Fobs with Integrated Keys

Combination remote entry fobs with flip-out or slide-out physical keys. We replace both the remote and integrated key.

VATS Keys (GM Vehicles)

Older GM vehicles use VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) keys with resistor pellets. We can determine the correct resistance value and cut proper VATS keys.

All Keys Lost - Specialized Service

When you’ve lost all your keys, standard key replacement procedures don’t work because they require at least one working key. We specialize in all-keys-lost situations using advanced techniques:

Immobilizer System Access

We use specialized diagnostic equipment to access your vehicle’s immobilizer computer and erase all old key codes. This prevents lost or stolen keys from starting your vehicle.

Virgin Key Programming

We program new transponder keys to your vehicle from scratch, creating the first authorized key in the system. Additional keys can then be added using the new master key.

Lock Cylinder Decoding

We can decode your door or ignition lock cylinders to determine the correct key cuts without needing the original key for reference.

Security System Reset

After programming new keys, we verify your vehicle’s security and anti-theft systems function properly with the new keys.

Vehicles We Service

We replace keys for all vehicle makes and models including:

Domestic Vehicles

Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Chrysler, Jeep, Cadillac, Buick, Lincoln, Ram

Asian Vehicles

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Suzuki

European Vehicles

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Mini, Fiat, Porsche

Luxury Vehicles

Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Jaguar, Land Rover, Tesla, Maserati, Alfa Romeo

From economy cars to luxury vehicles, classic cars to the latest models, we have the equipment and expertise to replace keys for any vehicle.

Why Choose Our Key Replacement Service?

Mobile Service Saves Time and Money

No need for expensive towing to a dealer. We come directly to your vehicle’s location and make new keys on-site. This saves you towing fees ($100-$200) and gets you back on the road hours or days faster than dealer service.

All Keys Lost Specialists

Dealers often charge $500-$1,000+ for all-keys-lost situations plus towing fees. Our specialized service typically costs 40-60% less while providing same-day service at your location.

Professional Equipment

We invest in the latest automotive locksmith equipment including:

• Advanced key cutting machines (standard and laser)
• Professional transponder programmers
• Diagnostic tools for immobilizer access
• Comprehensive key blank inventory

24/7 Emergency Service

Lost keys don’t happen on a schedule. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, to provide emergency key replacement when you need it most.

Fast Response Time

We typically arrive within 30 minutes and complete most key replacements in under an hour. Get back on the road quickly without multi-day dealer waits.

Experienced Technicians

Our automotive locksmiths have extensive experience with all vehicle makes, models, and key systems. We stay current with the latest key technology and programming procedures.

Service Areas

Mobile car key replacement throughout Greater Austin:

• Austin: All neighborhoods - Downtown, South Austin, North Austin, East Austin, West Austin, Central Austin
• Round Rock: All areas including downtown, west, and east Round Rock
• Cedar Park: Complete coverage
• Georgetown: All neighborhoods
• Pflugerville: Full service area
• Kyle: Complete coverage
• Buda: All areas
• Leander: Full service
• Lakeway: Complete coverage
• Bee Cave: All areas
• Manor, Hutto, Dripping Springs, Bastrop, and surrounding communities

Pricing

Car key replacement pricing based on key type and situation:

Standard Keys

• With existing key: $125-$150
• Lost all keys: $150-$200

Transponder Keys

• With existing key: $150-$225
• Lost all keys: $200-$300

Smart Keys / Push-Button Start

• With existing key: $225-$350
• Lost all keys: $300-$450

Additional Services

• Emergency after-hours: Additional $50
• Lock rekeying (with key replacement): $75-$125
• Additional keys (same visit): Discounted pricing

Exact pricing depends on your vehicle’s make, model, year, and specific key type. We provide upfront quotes before starting any work.

Prevention Tips

Have Spare Keys Made Immediately

As soon as you get vehicle access, have spare keys made while you still have a working key. This prevents future lost-all-keys emergencies.

Keep Spare Key Separate

Never keep all keys together. Store a spare at home or give one to a trusted family member or friend.

Use Key Tracking Devices

Attach Tile trackers or AirTags to your keychain so you can locate lost keys using your smartphone.

Document Key Codes

Some vehicles have key codes on tags that came with original keys or in the owner’s manual. Save these codes in a secure location.

Regular Key Inspection

Check keys for wear, cracks, or damage. Replace worn keys before they break or become too worn to duplicate.

Lost Keys - Call Now for Replacement

Don’t let lost car keys leave you stranded. Whether you’ve lost your only key, had all keys stolen, or need emergency replacement, South Austin Locksmith provides fast, professional car key replacement service throughout Austin.

Call (512) 777-0915 immediately for mobile car key replacement. We’ll have a locksmith at your location within 30 minutes with the equipment needed to make new keys on-site.

Call now: (512) 777-0915 or request service online for emergency car key replacement.