Car key questions, answered by the locksmith
These are real questions people text us every week, with the names taken out. Browse by topic, or send us yours.
- Real customer questions
- Answered by Keyhub
- Updated October 2026
Prices and payment
How much is a car key?
Keys without buttons start at $99, keys with buttons start at $160. Smart keys, originals and European cars with module work cost more. Text the year, make and model for an exact price.
Why is my quote higher than the $99 I saw in the ad?
$99 is the starting price for a key without buttons. A key with buttons, a push to start key, an original key or a car that needs module work costs more. The quote you get by text is final.
Will the price go up after you program the key?
No. The price we give by text is what you pay. We don't add charges after programming.
Do you take Zelle or Cash App?
We take cash, Zelle and cards. Card payments have a processing fee added; cash and Zelle don't. Apple Pay isn't accepted.
Do you have a discount for a second key?
Yes. A second key on the same visit costs less than coming back for it later. Text us and we'll quote one and two keys.
Do returning customers get a discount?
Yes, returning customers get 20% off their next order.
Do you have a military discount?
Yes, we offer a military and government discount. Mention it when you text.
Do you charge for a diagnostic?
If we diagnose and then make your key, the diagnostic is free. If you only want the diagnosis, there's a fee, and we tell you the amount first.
Lost keys
I lost my only key. Can you still make one?
Yes, on most cars. We cut a key from the lock and program it to the car on site, then remove the lost key from the car.
Can you make a key for a car I bought at auction with no key?
Usually yes. It's an all keys lost job at the car.
My keys were stolen. Can the thief still start my car?
Not after we program a new key. The old keys are erased from the car.
Do I have to tow the car to you?
No. We come to the car. We're mobile only.
Can you make a Mercedes key if all keys are lost?
On FBS3 Mercedes, roughly 1997 to 2014 plus some 2016 to 2018 vans, yes. Newer FBS4 cars are dealer only.
I lost the key to my 2018 Mercedes C300. Can you help?
Most 2018 C-Class cars are FBS4, which only the dealer can make keys for. We tell you that up front instead of charging for a trip.
How long does an all keys lost job take?
Most cars: under an hour at the car. Range Rover and some BMW, Volvo and Audi jobs: one to a few hours. We tell you before we start.
Spare keys and fobs
I have one key. Can you make a spare?
Yes. That's the simplest job: we add a new key to the car at your location.
Key with buttons or without: what's the difference?
Without buttons, the key starts the car and opens the doors with the blade. With buttons, you also get remote lock and unlock.
Can I get a flip key instead of my old style key?
On many cars, yes. Some cars accept a flip key style; we tell you which styles work with yours.
Can you make a key that looks like the factory key?
Yes, we carry near-factory styles and can source originals.
Can my key have the remote start button?
If your car came with factory remote start, the key can include it, and we can often activate remote start at dealer level. We don't install aftermarket remote start.
Do you replace key batteries?
Yes, key battery replacement is available. We don't sell batteries on their own.
Smart keys and push to start
My car says key not detected. Do I need a new key?
Try a new battery and hold the fob against the start button. If that doesn't fix it, the key may need reprogramming. We test before replacing.
My fob unlocks the car but won't start it. Why?
The remote and the start function are separate. The start part has lost its pairing or the car isn't reading it. Reprogramming often fixes it.
Can you add push to start to my car?
No. We only program push to start keys for cars that already have it.
My fob has no emergency key inside. Can you make one?
Yes. We cut the emergency blade to your door lock.
Original or aftermarket smart key?
For smart keys we usually recommend the original. With some cloned keys, the remote buttons act up when both keys are used.
European cars
Can you make a BMW key without the dealer?
On most models, yes, including all keys lost. Newer BMWs may need a module read first.
Why does a BMW key cost more than a Toyota key?
On BMW and many European cars we read the key data from a module first. It's more work and more time at the car.
My BMW has a key slot. Does that matter?
Yes, it tells us which system the car has. Cars with a slot and cars without are different jobs.
Can you program a Range Rover key?
Yes, on most models. It usually takes 1 to 2.5 hours at the car.
Do you do Volvo keys?
Yes, older and newer models. Most Volvo jobs start with reading the central module.
My VW flip key blade snapped. Do I need a whole new key?
Often not. We cut a new blade if the remote and chip still work.
My Mercedes key won't turn in the ignition. Is it the key?
Sometimes it's the key, often the ignition module or a worn lock. We diagnose at the car before replacing anything.
Do you replace instrument clusters?
We sync a replacement cluster to the car so the keys work. Our job is the immobilizer side.
Keys you bought yourself
I bought a key on Amazon. Can you program it?
Often. Send a photo of the back of the key first. Some online keys look right but won't take programming, and we'll tell you before we come.
Can you tell me which part number to buy?
We can tell you if a key you found will work. For some cars we recommend our key, because we know it programs.
Can you move my old key's chip into a new shell?
No, we don't do shell swaps. We can make a new complete key.
Is there a warranty on a key I bought?
Keys you supply aren't covered. Programming and labor are covered for 3 years, original keys we supply for 3 years, aftermarket keys we supply for 1 year.
Can you cut blades for fob shells I bought?
Yes, we cut blades to your lock. We don't transfer boards between shells.
Scheduling and service area
Are you open 24/7?
Yes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text (470) 469-1578.
Do you have a shop I can drive to?
We're mobile only. We come to your car.
Do you come to my work?
Yes. Office lots, apartment garages, repair shops, roadside.
I'm outside Atlanta. Will you come?
Often yes. Outside our regular area a minimum order applies, and we tell you before booking.
Do I need to be there?
Someone needs to be with the car and show it's theirs, at least at the start and the end.
Do you speak Spanish or Russian?
Yes. We serve customers in English, Spanish and Russian.
Do you work with repair shops and dealers?
Yes. Shops call us for keys and immobilizer work on cars in their bays.
Warranty and how we work
Is there a warranty?
Yes: 3 years on programming and labor, 3 years on original keys we supply, 1 year on aftermarket keys we supply. Physical damage, water damage, lost keys and batteries aren't covered. Full warranty terms.
Why does your programming take longer than the last locksmith?
We use the safe method instead of shortcuts that can damage a module. It takes a bit longer and protects your car.
Do you repair key fobs?
We don't repair fobs. We program or replace them.
Do you install alarms or remote start?
No. We can activate factory remote start where the car has it.
Didn't find yours? Text it to (470) 469-1578 or use the form below. Useful questions get added here, without your name.
Text a questionGet a price by text
Send the car and what you need. We reply with a price, usually within minutes. Day or night.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We are mobile: the key is made and programmed where your car is parked, at home, at work or on the road. We speak English, Spanish and Russian.
keyhubllc@gmail.com · Keyhub LLC · Marietta, GA · mobile service only