Answer a few questions about your vehicle and get a free, instant price range for key replacement or programming — built from typical industry pricing, refined with input from working locksmiths.
This is a free estimate based on typical industry pricing patterns — not a quoted price. Actual cost depends on your specific vehicle and local labor rates.
Call 1-855-321-OPEN for an Exact Quote Request a Quote OnlineWhere we service: Open Sesame dispatches technicians throughout Metro Atlanta, GA. If you're outside that area, this estimate should still be a close approximation nationwide — use it as a starting point when you call a locksmith near you.
Car key pricing isn't random, but it also isn't one number — it's the product of a handful of factors that we use to build this estimate:
Older vehicles use simple mechanical keys. Newer ones use transponder chips, remote head keys, or push-button smart keys — each requiring different parts and programming equipment, which changes the cost.
Economy and mainstream brands generally use more standardized, less expensive key systems. Luxury and European brands often require proprietary tools and dealer-level programming, which raises the price.
A simple lockout costs less than cutting a duplicate key, which costs less than replacing every key for a vehicle where none remain.
The first key carries the full programming cost. Each additional key made in the same visit is typically cheaper, since the programming session is shared.
These are general starting ranges for an economy or mainstream vehicle. Use the calculator above for an estimate tailored to your specific year, make, and service.
| Key Type | What It Is | Lockout | Duplicate Key | Lost All Keys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Mechanical | Simple metal key, no chip — common before the late 1990s | $75–$125 | $45–$85 | $60–$110 |
| Transponder | Contains a chip the car reads to start — no remote buttons | $90–$150 | $100–$180 | $130–$220 |
| Remote Head / Switchblade | Chip plus built-in remote buttons, usually a flip-out blade | $95–$160 | $150–$260 | $190–$330 |
| Smart / Proximity | Push-button start — the fob stays in your pocket | $110–$180 | $230–$400 | $260–$460 |
Brand matters almost as much as key type. Here's roughly how different brands compare, based on how specialized their key and programming systems tend to be.
Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Dodge, Subaru, Mazda, Ram, and similar. Standardized key systems keep costs at the low end.
Volkswagen, Acura, Infiniti, Lincoln, Cadillac, Buick, MINI, Genesis. A modest step up in parts and programming complexity.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Porsche. Often require brand-specific programming tools, which raises both parts and labor cost.
Tesla, Maserati, and similar. Key systems vary enough by model and software version that we recommend calling for an exact quote rather than relying on a general estimate.
Dealerships and mobile locksmiths often use the same category of programming equipment, but the price and experience can look very different. Dealerships typically charge a shop labor rate on top of parts, may require an appointment, and often can't help if your car won't start to get there. A mobile locksmith usually quotes a flat rate upfront and comes to you — home, work, or roadside.
For a deeper comparison, see our guide on Atlanta locksmiths vs. dealerships for car key replacement.
Two vehicles of the same year and make can still have different key systems, and local labor rates vary. A range gives you a realistic starting point — call us or a local locksmith with your exact vehicle for a firm number.
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up required. It runs entirely in your browser and doesn't collect or store any information you enter.
Yes. The pricing model is based on typical industry patterns for key type, vehicle brand, and service — not anything specific to Atlanta — so it should be a reasonable approximation anywhere in the US. Open Sesame only dispatches technicians within Metro Atlanta, GA, so if you're elsewhere, use this estimate as a guide when you call a locksmith near you.
Often, yes. Dealerships use the same type of programming equipment locksmiths do, but typically charge more for the visit and may require a tow or an appointment. Mobile locksmiths usually come to you and quote a flat rate upfront.
The estimate covers the cost of the key or fob itself plus on-site cutting and/or programming, based on the service you select. It does not include taxes, which vary by location.
It's a rule-based model built from typical published industry pricing patterns for key type, vehicle brand tier, and service type — not a live quote system. We're actively refining it with feedback from working locksmiths to make it more accurate over time.
This calculator is a best-effort estimate, not a database of confirmed jobs. If you're a locksmith and something looks off for a particular brand or key type, we'd genuinely like to hear about it — the goal is to make this the most accurate free estimate tool out there, and that only happens with real-world input.
Email us your feedback and we'll factor it into the next update.
Call us with your vehicle's year, make, and model — we'll quote you a firm price on the spot.
Call 1-855-321-OPEN (6736)