The short answer
For many vehicles, a locksmith can make a new key without the original and without a trip to the dealer. Call with the make, model, year and where the car is, and we check the key system and tell you the expected cost before any work starts. Portside's guide price is from $400 when all keys are lost and from $195 for a spare while you still have one that works.
Key points
- Call with the car's make, model, year and location, and whether you have any working key.
- Have photo ID and proof you own the vehicle or are authorised to arrange the work.
- If the keys are locked inside the car, you need someone to open it, not a new key.
- Many modern car keys need the metal blade cut, the electronic chip inside programmed to the car, or both.
- Replacing keys when every key is lost starts from $400, and a spare starts from $195 while you still have one that works.
- We come to where the car is and check the new key starts it before we finish.
Losing your only car key is one of the most stressful calls we get. The car is sitting there, it is perfectly fine, and you cannot get in or start it.
Call 0403 232 113 with your vehicle's make, model, year and location. We'll check whether we can help and confirm availability. We are available seven days, and after-hours help is subject to availability.
For many vehicles, a locksmith can make a new key without the original and without a trip to the dealer. Here is what happens and what it costs.
What to have ready when you call
The more we know up front, the faster we can tell you whether we can help and what it will cost. Have these ready:
- The make, model and year of the car
- Where the car is right now
- Whether you have any working key at all, including an old spare
- What kind of key it was: a plain key, a key with a remote, or a smart key with push-button start
Have photo ID and proof that you own the vehicle or are authorised to arrange the work. If the documents are locked inside, mention that when you call.
Lost, or locked inside?
Before you call, check the car through the windows. Keys get left in the ignition, on a seat or in the door pocket more often than you would think.
If the keys are locked inside, the job is getting you into the vehicle, not making a new key. That is a vehicle lockout. If the keys are missing, you need a replacement.
Why modern car keys take more than cutting
Older cars used a simple metal key, and a new one could be cut to match the lock.
Many cars now use keys with an electronic chip inside, and some have a remote or a smart key for keyless entry and push-button start. Depending on the vehicle, a replacement may need a blade cut, a chip programmed, or both.
When you still have one working key, there is a key to work from. When every key is gone, the new key has to be made for the vehicle from scratch, which is why "all keys lost" costs more than a spare.
We check the vehicle's make, model, year and key system before confirming whether we can make a key on site.
What it costs
Portside's guide prices are:
- All keys lost: from $400
- Spare key, when you still have one that works: from $195
The final price depends on:
- The make, model and year of the vehicle
- The type of key or fob
- Whether you still have a working key
- Where the vehicle is
We check the vehicle details first and tell you the expected cost before any work starts. You can see our guide prices on the pricing page.
Do you need to go to the dealer?
Not necessarily. For many vehicles we can cut and program a new key without a dealer visit, and we come to where the car is. Some vehicles and key systems are harder than others, so we always check your vehicle before confirming we can do the job.
How it works
- Tell us the make, model, year, location and whether you still have a working key.
- We check the key system and tell you the expected cost.
- We make the new key and check it starts the vehicle before we finish.
Down to one key? Get a spare now
If you are reading this with one key left in your pocket, this is the cheapest moment to fix the problem. A spare starts from $195, while replacing keys after the last one goes missing starts from $400.
Chris has worked as a locksmith since 2001, including car keys and vehicle locks.
Lost your car keys?
Call Portside on 0403 232 113 with the make, model, year and where the car is. We are based in O'Connor and come to you across Fremantle and the southern suburbs.
