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, shown for comparison. Note the one row where the dealer often wins: pretending otherwise would be a sales pitch.
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Mostly pre-2000
Plain metal key
- Our range
- $65–$95
- Typical dealer
- $40–$90
The one case where the dealer sometimes wins. We'll say so on the phone.
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About 1998 to 2013
Transponder (chip) key
- Our range
- $140–$240
- Typical dealer
- $220–$350
The chip must be programmed to the immobilizer; we do it at your car.
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2010s
Remote-head or flip key
- Our range
- $180–$320
- Typical dealer
- $280–$450
Key, remote and programming in one visit.
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Push-button start
Proximity smart fob
- Our range
- $240–$420
- Typical dealer
- $400–$800+
The biggest dealer markup on the menu, plus the tow you'd need to get there.
| Your car | Key type | Our range | Typical dealer | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mostly pre-2000 | Plain metal key | $65–$95 | $40–$90 | The one case where the dealer sometimes wins. We'll say so on the phone. |
| About 1998 to 2013 | Transponder (chip) key | $140–$240 | $220–$350 | The chip must be programmed to the immobilizer; we do it at your car. |
| 2010s | Remote-head or flip key | $180–$320 | $280–$450 | Key, remote and programming in one visit. |
| Push-button start | Proximity smart fob | $240–$420 | $400–$800+ | The biggest dealer markup on the menu, plus 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 pack 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.
keys locked inside?
Car lockouts, opened without a scratch
Picks and soft wedges, never a slim jim against your wiring. A car lockout is $85–$135 in the daytime, with the same flat evening and overnight adders as every other job.
Rated 5 out of 5
Proximity fob, all keys lost“Dealer wanted $612 plus a tow. Cardinal quoted $240 to $420 plus the all-keys-lost fee by VIN, charged $389 total, done in the parking deck at work. The fob has worked flawlessly for months.”
Rated 4 out of 5
Evening car lockout“The $40 evening adder stung a little, but it's the same number printed on their website, so it's fair. In the car in under fifteen minutes with no damage. Would call again, maybe before 6 pm.”
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 to Sat, 8 am to 6 pm · lockout line answered 24/7