Car key replacement cost
Most locksmiths won't put a number on a page. Here is our whole price list — every job type, what each one starts at, and an honest account of what moves the final figure.
WhatsApp- From $45
- A laser cut key, the simplest job on the list.
- From $145
- All keys lost — varies by vehicle, contact for exact quote.
- We match estimates
- Have a written quote from a dealer or another shop? Bring it.
- Always a “from”
- Every figure here is a starting price. None of them are flat rates.
The price list
Every job we do, and what it starts at.
| Job | From |
|---|---|
| Laser cut key A metal blade milled on a laser machine. No chip. | $45 |
| Transponder key Metal key with a chip in the head. Needs programming. | $75 |
| Remote head key Transponder key with the buttons built in, or a flip key. | $95 |
| German / Euro transponder key European makes use their own systems and key stock. | $125 |
| Smart / proximity key The push-to-start kind. Most electronics, most programming. | $145 |
| All keys lost Nothing left to copy — varies by vehicle, contact for exact quote. | $145 |
| Ignition repair Repairing a worn or jammed cylinder so your key still works. | $225 |
| ESL repair Mercedes-Benz electronic steering lock. | $245 |
Prices in Canadian dollars. Final price may vary depending on the vehicle make, model, year, key type, programming requirements, and other factors.
What changes the price
Five things decide where in the range you land.
The key your car takes. This is the big one, and it's most of the spread between $45 and $145. A plain cut blade and a proximity fob are different objects doing different jobs.
Make, model and year. Two cars from the same year can use entirely different immobiliser systems. European makes generally cost more, which is why German and Euro transponder keys have their own line on the list.
What the programming needs. Some vehicles accept a new key in minutes. Others need security data pulled from the manufacturer before anything can happen.
Whether you still have a working key. Copying is cheap. Starting from nothing is not — that's the difference between a spare and all keys lost.
Whether it's the key at all. Sometimes the key is fine and the ignition is worn, which is a different job with a different price.
Pricing notes for particular makes: Toyota, Honda, Ford and Audi. European makes such as Audi sit in a higher tier than domestic ones, which is why they have their own line above.
Versus the dealership
We match written estimates.
If you've been quoted by a dealer or another locksmith and you have it in writing, bring it. That's a standing offer, not a negotiation.
The other thing worth weighing is what the dealer route costs you beyond the invoice. A dealership generally needs the car on its premises, which on a no-keys job means a tow and a wait for an appointment. We come to the car, so neither of those lands on your bill. That is frequently the larger saving.
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★★★★★
"Exceptional service. Quick, affordable and convenient. Lost my car keys. Toyota gave me an appointment for a week later, Oscar came the very next day and made two keys for me for even lesser price than what Toyota was charging for one. Highly recommended."
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★★★★★
"The service was prompt, helpful and professional. Oscar was friendly and knowledgeable which made the experience of replacing both key fobs for my 2015 Chevy smooth and easy. The cost was significantly lower than going to the dealership with zero wait for parts. Highly recommend!"
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Car key pricing questions, answered straight.
How much does a replacement car key cost in London, Ontario?
It starts at $45 for a laser cut key, $75 for a transponder key, $95 for a remote head key and $145 for a smart or proximity key. German and European transponder keys start at $125. All keys lost starts at $145 and varies by vehicle, contact for exact quote.
Why is everything a starting price instead of a fixed one?
Because two cars of the same age can need completely different work. Final price may vary depending on the vehicle make, model, year, key type, programming requirements, and other factors. Quoting you a flat number sight unseen would mean either padding it to cover the worst case or changing it on your driveway, and we would rather do neither.
Are you cheaper than the dealership?
Usually, and we match written estimates — if you already have a quote from a dealer or another shop, bring it to us. What we won't do is promise a percentage before knowing what you drive. Our Google reviews are the better evidence here: several of them compare our invoice to the dealer quote they were given.
What's the cheapest way to handle car keys?
Get a spare cut while you still have a working one. Copying an existing key is the least expensive job on this list; starting from nothing because the only key went missing is one of the most expensive. The gap is most of the reason people end up on this page.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Keys carry a 3-month warranty. Module repairs — such as BMW/MINI FRM and Mercedes EIS/EZS and ESL/ELV work — carry a 6-month warranty.