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Austin Locksmiths
HIGH PRIORITY - IMMEDIATE HELP AVAILABLE

Lost Your Car Keys? We'll Make New Ones On-Site

Emergency car key replacement service in Austin. We cut and program new car keys on-site, including transponder keys, key fobs, and smart keys. Get driving again quickly.

Average Response Time
30 minutes
Availability
24/7/365
Emergency Call: (512) 354-0025

How We Can Help

Professional Key Fob Replacement & Programming

Complete car key replacement service - we cut and program new keys on-site while you wait.

Learn More

Lost Your Car Keys in Austin? We’ll Make New Ones On-Site

You’re searching every pocket. Every purse. Every drawer. The counter. The couch. Your car keys are gone. Maybe you lost them. Maybe they fell out of your pocket. Maybe they’re at a friend’s house, a restaurant, the gym, or somewhere you can’t remember.

Now you can’t drive. You can’t get to work. You can’t run errands. You’re stuck.

Don’t panic. Don’t call an expensive dealership. Don’t pay for a tow.

South Austin Locksmith provides professional emergency car key replacement service throughout Greater Austin. We come to your location, cut new keys, program transponder chips, and program key fobs - all on-site while you wait. No towing needed. No dealership appointment required.

Call (512) 354-0025 now for immediate mobile key replacement service.

Why Lost Car Keys Are Different Than 20 Years Ago

Old Cars (Pre-1995): Simple Metal Keys

  • Any locksmith could cut new key in 5 minutes
  • Any hardware store with key machine could copy key
  • Total cost: $5-$20
  • No programming required

Modern Cars (1995-Present): Transponder Security

Most cars manufactured after 1995 have immobilizer systems:

  • Transponder chip embedded in key head
  • Chip must be programmed to your specific vehicle
  • Car won’t start without correctly programmed chip
  • Even if key is cut perfectly, it won’t start car without programming

This is why you can’t go to hardware store anymore.

Smart Keys (2010-Present): Push-Button Start

Newest vehicles use proximity keys:

  • No traditional key insertion required
  • Fob stays in pocket/purse, car detects it
  • Push button to start
  • More complex programming required
  • Significantly more expensive ($250-$450 vs. $85-$150 for basic key)

The good news: We have equipment to program all of these on-site. The bad news: Dealerships charge $300-$800 for what we do for $150-$450.

Our Mobile Car Key Replacement Process

1. Emergency Call - We Come to You

When you call (512) 354-0025), we ask:

  • Your location (where’s the car?)
  • Year, make, model of vehicle
  • Type of key (basic, transponder, key fob, smart key - or you’re not sure)
  • Whether you have any keys left or lost all of them
  • Whether car is accessible (we can unlock if locked out)

We provide upfront price quote including mobile service, key cutting, and programming.

2. Mobile Dispatch - 30-45 Minute Average

Our nearest mobile locksmith heads to your location:

  • Fully equipped key-cutting machine in van
  • Transponder programming tools
  • Key fob programming equipment
  • Blank keys and fobs for all major brands

We come to you - no towing required:

  • Your home/driveway
  • Workplace parking lot
  • Shopping center
  • Restaurant
  • Friend’s house
  • Side of road (if safe location)

3. Verification of Ownership

Before making keys, we verify you own the vehicle:

  • Vehicle registration matching your ID
  • Title or bill of sale
  • Insurance card matching VIN
  • Rental agreement (for rental cars)

VIN verification from dashboard or door jamb confirms we’re making key for correct vehicle.

4. Key Cutting

We cut new physical key blade:

For traditional keys:

  • Decode ignition or door lock (if you have no original)
  • Cut key to exact specifications (15-20 minutes)
  • Test in door lock to verify fit

For laser-cut keys (modern vehicles):

  • High-security keys with laser-cut patterns
  • Require precision laser key machine (30-40 minutes)
  • Common on Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW

For smart keys:

  • Cut physical backup key (inside fob housing)
  • You’ll need this if fob battery dies

5. Transponder Programming

For cars with immobilizer (1995+ vehicles):

  • Connect programming tool to car’s diagnostic port (OBD2)
  • Access vehicle’s computer system
  • Program new transponder chip to match VIN
  • Test that car recognizes chip and allows starting
  • Takes 15-30 minutes depending on vehicle make

You’ll see us sitting in your car with laptop - this is normal for programming process.

6. Key Fob Programming (If Applicable)

For keyless entry and remote start:

  • Program fob buttons (lock, unlock, trunk, panic)
  • Sync fob to vehicle’s receiver
  • Test all functions
  • Takes 10-20 minutes

7. Testing & Verification

Before we leave, we test:

  • Key unlocks and locks all doors
  • Key operates trunk and gas cap
  • Key starts ignition
  • All remote functions work (if fob)
  • Backup key works (if smart key system)

You drive away immediately - no need to go to dealer, no towing.

Car Key Replacement Cost by Vehicle Type

Basic Keys (Older Vehicles, No Chip)

Vehicles: Most pre-1995, some economy 1995-2005 Cost: $85-$150 Time: 30-45 minutes Includes: Mobile service, key cutting, testing

Common vehicles: Older Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Ford F-150 (pre-2000)

Transponder Keys (Chip Keys)

Vehicles: Most 1995-2010, some 2010+ Cost: $150-$250 Time: 45-75 minutes Includes: Mobile service, key cutting, chip programming, testing

Common vehicles: Honda Accord (1998-2012), Toyota Camry (1997-2011), Ford F-150 (2004-2014), Chevrolet Silverado (1999-2013)

Key Fobs (Remote Entry)

Vehicles: Many 2000-2015 vehicles Cost: $175-$300 Time: 60-90 minutes Includes: Mobile service, key cutting, transponder programming, fob programming, testing

Common vehicles: Honda CR-V (2002-2016), Toyota RAV4 (2006-2018), Nissan Altima (2007-2018)

Smart Keys / Proximity Keys (Push-Button Start)

Vehicles: Most 2010+ vehicles Cost: $250-$450 Time: 75-120 minutes Includes: Mobile service, backup key cutting, smart key programming, proximity programming, all button functions, testing

Common vehicles: Honda Accord (2013+), Toyota Camry (2012+), Nissan Altima (2013+), Ford Escape (2013+)

Luxury / European Brands

Vehicles: BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, Lexus Cost: $300-$600 Time: 90-120 minutes Includes: Everything above plus specialized programming for European systems

Why more expensive: Proprietary technology, dealer-level programming tools required, restricted key blanks

Lost ALL Your Keys vs. Lost Spare

If You Have At Least One Working Key

Faster and cheaper:

  • We copy your existing key (20-30 minutes)
  • Programming is quicker (we clone from existing key)
  • Cost: Standard pricing above

Bring your working key - significantly speeds up process.

If You Lost ALL Keys (No Working Key)

More complex but still doable:

  • Must decode ignition or use VIN to cut key
  • Must program new transponder from scratch
  • Takes 15-30 minutes longer
  • Costs $50-$100 more than if you had original

Still much faster than dealership - we do it on-site vs. dealership towing and appointment.

Why Not Go to the Dealership?

Dealership Disadvantages

Cost: 50-100% more expensive

  • Dealership transponder key: $250-$400
  • Our price: $150-$250
  • Dealership smart key: $400-$800
  • Our price: $250-$450

Time: Days instead of hours

  • Must tow car to dealership ($75-$150)
  • Make appointment (1-3 days wait)
  • Drop off car, wait 4-8 hours or longer
  • Total: 2-4 days without car

Convenience: Must bring car to them

  • We come to you (your driveway, parking lot, workplace)
  • No towing required
  • Done while you wait (1-2 hours)

Exception: Ultra-luxury vehicles (Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley) sometimes require dealer-only programming.

Locksmith Advantages

Cost: 40-60% cheaper than dealer Time: 1-2 hours vs. 2-4 days Convenience: We come to you Availability: 24/7 vs. dealership business hours

Special Situations

Lost Keys While Traveling

You’re in Austin visiting, lost rental car keys:

  • We come to hotel/AirBnb
  • Verify rental agreement
  • Make new key on-site
  • Bill your company/insurance if applicable

Your car is stuck in Austin, you’re from out of town:

  • We meet you at car’s location
  • Make key so you can drive home
  • Same-day service available

Lost Valet Key, Need Full Access Key

Valet keys don’t open trunk/glove box:

  • We can make full-function key
  • Specify “full access” when calling
  • Slightly more expensive (+$25-$50)
  • Takes same amount of time

Lost Keys, Car Is Locked

Double emergency - locked out AND no keys:

  • We unlock car first (adds 15-30 minutes)
  • Then make new keys
  • Total time: 90-150 minutes
  • Combined service discount available

Push-Button Start, Key Fob Dead Battery

Sometimes “lost keys” are just dead fob:

  • We can replace key fob battery on-site ($10-$20)
  • Takes 5 minutes
  • Much cheaper than new key

Try this first: Many push-button cars have hidden key slot for dead fobs (check owner’s manual).

Preventing Future Lost Key Emergencies

Strategy 1: Get Spare Keys Made Now

Don’t wait until you lose keys:

  • Get 2-3 spare keys made while you have working key
  • Cost: Same as above but slightly cheaper (we clone existing key)
  • Give spare to: family member, trusted friend, keep one at home

When to get spares:

  • Right after buying car
  • After you’ve lost keys before (learn from experience)
  • If you frequently misplace things

Strategy 2: Key Tracking Devices

Tile, AirTag, etc.:

  • Small tracker attached to key ring
  • Track keys with smartphone app
  • Costs $25-$35 per tracker
  • Find keys anywhere within 200 feet (Bluetooth)

AirTag (Apple): Best for iPhone users, nationwide network helps find keys anywhere

Tile: Works with Android and iPhone

Strategy 3: Designated Key Location

Stop losing keys by creating habit:

  • Bowl or hook by front door (keys ALWAYS go here)
  • Car visor clip for spare key
  • Purse pocket dedicated to keys only
  • Never set keys down randomly

Strategy 4: Keyless Entry Upgrade

Eliminate physical keys:

  • Keypad entry systems ($300-$800 installed)
  • Smartphone unlock (some modern cars)
  • Can’t lose what you don’t need to carry

After-Hours Lost Key Service

Lost keys don’t wait for business hours:

Nights (6 PM - 8 AM weekdays): Add $75-$100 to standard price Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): Add $50-$75 to standard price Holidays (Major holidays): Add $100-$150 to standard price

Why higher cost?

  • On-call technician premium
  • Fewer techs available overnight
  • Priority response (we pull tech from sleep/family time)

Still much cheaper than dealership even with after-hours fees.

Service Area - Mobile Key Service Throughout Austin

We provide mobile car key replacement throughout Greater Austin:

South Austin (78704, 78745, 78748): 30-40 minutes Central/Downtown (78701, 78702, 78703): 35-45 minutes North Austin (78753, 78758, 78759): 40-55 minutes East Austin (78721, 78722, 78724): 35-50 minutes West Austin (78733, 78735, 78746): 40-55 minutes

Surrounding Cities:

  • Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park: 45-65 minutes
  • Georgetown, Leander: 50-75 minutes
  • Buda, Kyle: 50-70 minutes

We’ll meet you anywhere - parking lot, workplace, home, restaurant, side of road (if safe).

Lost Your Car Keys? Call Now

Stop searching. Stop stressing. Stop considering a $500+ dealership visit.

Call South Austin Locksmith at (512) 354-0025 for immediate mobile car key replacement:

  • Emergency service, no appointment needed
  • We come to you (no towing required)
  • 30-45 minute response time
  • Complete key cutting and programming on-site
  • All makes and models
  • 40-60% cheaper than dealership
  • 24/7/365 availability
  • Done while you wait (1-2 hours total)

Get new car keys made and drive away today. Call now: (512) 354-0025

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to replace lost car keys?

Complete car key replacement takes 45-90 minutes from start to finish: Key cutting (15-30 minutes for basic keys, 30-45 minutes for laser-cut high-security keys), transponder programming (15-30 minutes), key fob programming if needed (10-20 minutes), testing to ensure key works perfectly (5-10 minutes). We come to your location, so total time from your call to driving away: 75-120 minutes typically. Faster for basic keys (older vehicles), slower for modern smart keys with push-button start.

How much does car key replacement cost?

Car key replacement cost by vehicle type: Basic key (older vehicles, no chip): $85-$150, Transponder key (chip inside key): $150-$250, Key fob (remote entry): $175-$300, Smart key/proximity key (push-button start): $250-$450, Luxury/European brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi): $300-$600. Price includes: Mobile service (we come to you), key cutting, programming, testing. Much cheaper than dealership (typically 40-60% less) and we come to you. No hidden fees - price quoted over phone is what you pay.

Do you need my car to make a new key?

Yes, we need your vehicle present for two reasons: (1) Modern cars require programming new key to specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - this is done through car's diagnostic port while connected to vehicle. (2) We need to verify you own the vehicle before making keys (security measure). If your car was towed or is in a parking lot, we can meet you there. If car is at home but you're stranded elsewhere, we can schedule service when you're with vehicle. For programming, the car must have battery power - we can jump-start dead battery if needed.

Can you make a key without the original?

Yes! We can make new car keys even if you have zero keys: For older vehicles (pre-2000s typically): We decode lock cylinder to cut new key - takes 30-45 minutes. For modern vehicles with transponders: We cut key by VIN or by decoding ignition, then program new transponder to vehicle's immobilizer system. For push-button start vehicles: We program new smart key using diagnostic tools and VIN. Having original key is faster (we copy it), but losing all keys is not a problem - just costs slightly more ($50-$100 extra) and takes 15-30 minutes longer.

Will the new key work for everything (doors, trunk, ignition)?

Yes. The key we make will work identically to your original factory key: Unlocks and locks all doors, opens trunk and gas cap, starts ignition, activates keyless entry (if your car has it), works with push-button start (if equipped). We test every function before leaving to ensure key works perfectly. Only exception: Valet keys (by design) don't open trunk or glove box - if you need full access key, specify this when calling. We make full-function keys by default.

What if my car has a push-button start?

Push-button start cars use proximity keys (smart keys) that are more complex but we handle them regularly. Process: (1) Cut physical backup key (inside the fob), (2) Program proximity fob to your car's computer, (3) Test that car detects fob and allows starting, (4) Verify all buttons work (lock, unlock, trunk, panic). Takes 60-90 minutes total. Cost: $250-$450 for most brands, $350-$600 for luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus). Still 40-50% cheaper than dealership and we come to your location - no towing needed.

Can you help me right now or do I need an appointment?

We provide emergency service - no appointment needed. Call (512) 354-0025 and we'll dispatch our nearest mobile technician immediately. Average response time: 30-45 minutes in South Austin, 40-60 minutes in North Austin and surrounding areas. For critical situations (stranded in unsafe location, child in car, extreme weather), we can often expedite to 20-30 minutes. We're available 24/7/365 including nights, weekends, and holidays. After-hours service (nights/weekends) costs $50-$100 more than daytime but availability is immediate.

What do I need to provide to get new keys made?

For security, we require proof of vehicle ownership: (1) Vehicle registration in your name (best option), (2) Title or bill of sale for new purchases, (3) Insurance card matching vehicle VIN, (4) Driver's license (we verify it matches registration name/address), (5) For leased/financed vehicles: lease agreement or finance paperwork. If you don't have documents with you (they're in the car you're locked out of), we can often verify ownership through VIN check and ID verification. For rental cars, we need rental agreement. We NEVER make keys without verification - protects your vehicle from theft.

Need Help Right Now?

Don't wait - emergency locksmith service available 24/7/365 with 30 minutes average response time.

Call Now: (512) 354-0025
CALL NOW: (512) 354-0025