Car Key Replacement in Palm Beach & Broward County
Lost your only car key, or want a spare before you do? LockFox comes to your vehicle and cuts and programs a new key on the spot in many cases — no tow to the dealer. Call or text your year, make and model for a quote.
Car key replacement for every situation
All keys lost
No working key at all. We generate a new key from your vehicle’s key code or by decoding the lock, cut it, then program it to the car’s immobilizer.
Spare & duplicate keys
You have one working key and want a backup. Usually quicker and less expensive than an all-keys-lost job — and the cheapest insurance against one.
Transponder (chip) keys
A chip in the key head must be programmed to your car. A copy cut at a hardware store may open the door but won’t start the engine.
Laser-cut & high-security keys
Thick blades with a groove milled into the side rather than teeth on the edge. They need a dedicated cutting machine.
Remote, flip & smart keys
Keys with lock/unlock buttons or push-to-start proximity keys. See key fob & smart key programming.
Broken or worn keys
A key snapped off in the lock or worn smooth. We extract the broken piece and cut a fresh key to factory specs — see ignition repair & key extraction.
Lost your car keys? Do this first
- Retrace your steps. Call the last store, restaurant or gym you visited. Check jacket pockets, bags, and the beach bag if you were on the sand.
- If you think the keys were stolen, report it to local police — especially if your house key or garage opener was on the same ring.
- Don’t book a tow yet. In many cases a new key can be made where the car is parked.
- Find the VIN. It’s visible through the windshield on the driver’s side of the dashboard, on the driver’s door-jamb sticker, and printed on your registration and insurance card.
- Gather your ID and registration or title, then call or text us with the year, make, model and location.
If your car is locked and the keys are simply inside, you don’t need a new key — you need a car lockout service.
How a replacement key is made
1. Identify the key. The VIN tells us the exact vehicle, which narrows down the key blank, the transponder system and whether a remote or smart key is involved.
2. Get the cuts. For many vehicles, the key code can be retrieved using the VIN through manufacturer-authorized data services that are only available to registered automotive security professionals — one reason proof of ownership is non-negotiable. Where a code isn’t available, the lock itself can often be decoded to work out the cuts.
3. Cut the blade. The key is cut to the factory code, not copied from a worn key, so it works smoothly in the doors and ignition.
4. Program the chip. A programming tool connects to the car’s diagnostic port (under the dash) and adds the new key to the immobilizer’s memory. On many vehicles, the same step can remove lost keys so they can no longer start the car.
5. Test everything. Door locks, trunk, remote buttons, and several engine starts before we leave.
What to prepare: proof of ownership
We will not make a key for a vehicle unless you can show it’s yours. Have these ready:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The vehicle registration or title, with a name that matches your ID
- Leased, financed, company or family vehicle? Tell us when you call so we can confirm what paperwork will work.
- Rental car? Call the rental company first — most rental agreements control who can make keys for their vehicles.
What affects the price
- Key type — standard, transponder, remote head, laser-cut or smart key
- Year, make and model — some systems take more time or special equipment
- All keys lost vs. spare — having a working key usually makes the job simpler
- OEM vs. aftermarket — factory keys generally cost more than quality aftermarket keys
- Appointment details — tell us when and where you need help, and ask whether any additional charges apply
- Location — where the vehicle is parked
What to confirm in your car-key quote
Tell us your year, make, model, location and whether you still have a working key. Ask what the estimate includes:
- The replacement key or fob and any blade cutting your vehicle needs
- Programming, if required for your key or remote
- Any service-call, travel or after-hours charges that apply
Ask which costs can be confirmed from those details and which depend on inspecting the vehicle. Confirm the proposed work and total charges before authorizing the job.
Dealer vs. mobile locksmith
Both can replace most car keys. The difference is mostly logistics.
Dealership
- The car needs to be at the dealer — with all keys lost, that usually means a tow
- Keys may need to be ordered, so it can take more than one visit
- Service-department hours
- Factory (OEM) keys
- The only option for some newer models with dealer-only keys
Mobile locksmith (LockFox)
- We come to the car — home, work, parking lot or garage
- In many cases the key is cut and programmed in one visit
- Available 24/7
- OEM or quality aftermarket keys, depending on the vehicle
- We tell you on the phone if your vehicle needs the dealer
Replacement keys by make and model
Look up your vehicle for model-specific key information, or start from the Car Key Finder. Popular requests include the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Ford F-150, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Silverado.
Car key replacement near you
We replace car keys across all of Palm Beach and Broward County — at home, at work, or wherever the car is parked.
Car key replacement FAQ
Can you make a car key if I lost all my keys?
In many cases, yes. We cut a new key from your vehicle’s key code or by decoding the lock, then program it to the car where it’s parked. A few newer models require a dealer-only key; we’ll tell you on the phone if yours is one of them.
What do I need to get a replacement car key?
A valid photo ID and the vehicle registration or title with a matching name. Keys can’t be made without proof of ownership. If the car is leased, financed, a company vehicle or in a family member’s name, mention it when you call.
Can a car key be made from the VIN alone?
The VIN helps identify the correct key and, for many vehicles, the key code. But a chip key still has to be programmed at the car, and we still need to verify ownership in person.
Is a spare key cheaper than replacing a lost one?
Usually, yes. Adding a key while you still have a working one is typically simpler than an all-keys-lost job, which is why getting a spare early is worth it.
Will my lost key still start the car after I get a new one?
On many vehicles, lost keys can be erased from the car’s memory while the new key is programmed, so they no longer start the engine. Ask about it when you call.
Is an aftermarket key as good as an OEM key?
A quality aftermarket key usually works the same for starting and remote functions and costs less. Factory keys may last longer or be required on some vehicles. We’ll explain the options for your car.
Do I need to tow my car to the dealer?
In most cases, no. We come to the vehicle anywhere in Palm Beach or Broward County and make the key there.
Need a new car key?
Call or text your year, make, model and location. Tell us whether you have a working key so we can check service availability and discuss an estimate for your job.
Other automotive services: all automotive locksmith services · car lockout · key fob programming
Car Key Replacement near you
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