Need a car key made by make and model? Our mobile locksmith cuts and programs keys and fobs for most major vehicles sold in the U.S. - on site, in Hardeeville and across the Lowcountry, and usually for far less than the dealership. Below is an honest guide to what your vehicle likely uses and what's involved in programming it.
Know your key type before you call
Modern car keys fall into a handful of types, and knowing roughly which one you have helps us bring the right blank and equipment. A basic transponder key has a plastic head with a hidden chip and a metal blade you insert and turn. A flip or "switchblade" key folds the blade into a remote. A remote head key combines the lock/unlock buttons and the blade in one unit. A proximity smart key (push-to-start) stays in your pocket and lets you start the car with a button. We work with all of these - call (843) 350-1700 with your year, make and model and we'll confirm exactly what your vehicle takes.
What "all keys lost" means for programming
If you still have one working key, making a spare is usually quick and inexpensive. "All keys lost" - where no working key remains - takes more work: we have to generate a key to the vehicle and program it through the car's security system, which on some makes takes extra time or a security waiting period built into the car itself. It is almost always still cheaper and faster than a dealer tow, but it is why an exact spare and a lost-all-keys job are priced differently. The single best way to save money is to make a spare before you ever need it.
Car keys by make & model
Here's an honest, plain-English guide to the makes we work with most and what's typically involved. Notes are general - your exact year and trim can change things - so call (843) 350-1700 with your year, make and model for a firm answer and price.
Ford
Transponder, flip and proximity smart keys depending on the model and year. Spares for trucks like the F-150 and SUVs are routine on site; all-keys-lost is supported for most.
Chevrolet
Transponder blade keys on older models, remote/flip keys and push-to-start fobs on newer ones (Silverado, Equinox, Malibu). On-site cutting and programming for the majority.
GMC
Shares key systems with Chevrolet - remote head keys and proximity fobs on Sierra, Acadia and Terrain. Spares and most lost-key jobs handled mobile.
Buick
Remote head keys and proximity smart keys on Enclave, Encore and Envision. We cut and program most on site.
Cadillac
Mostly proximity smart keys on Escalade, XT5 and CT models. Programming is supported for most; call with your VIN-year for confirmation.
Chrysler
Fobik and proximity smart keys (Pacifica, 300). Many are programmed on site; some all-keys-lost jobs need extra time.
Dodge
Transponder, fobik and push-to-start keys (Charger, Challenger, Durango). Spares are routine; lost-all-keys supported on most.
RAM
Remote head and proximity keys on 1500/2500 trucks. We program spares and replacements on site for most years.
Jeep
Transponder and proximity smart keys (Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass). On-site programming for the majority of models.
Lincoln
Proximity smart keys on Navigator, Aviator and Corsair. Spares and most replacements handled mobile.
Tesla
Uses key cards and phone-as-key, with an optional key fob. Extra cards and fobs are paired through the vehicle; call to confirm what your model supports.
Toyota
Transponder keys on older models, remote head keys and Smart Key push-to-start on newer ones (Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Tacoma). Spares are quick; lost-all-keys supported on most.
Lexus
Primarily proximity Smart Keys (RX, ES, NX). Programming is supported for most; some lost-key jobs take additional time.
Honda
Transponder and remote head keys on older models, proximity smart keys on newer Accord, Civic and CR-V. On-site cutting and programming for most.
Acura
Proximity smart keys on MDX, RDX and TLX. Spares and most replacements done mobile; call with your model year.
Nissan
Transponder, "Intelligent Key" proximity fobs (Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Titan). Most spares and lost-key jobs handled on site.
Infiniti
Proximity Intelligent Keys on QX and Q models. Programming supported for most; confirm with your year and model.
Mazda
Transponder and proximity smart keys (Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30). On-site programming for the majority.
Subaru
Transponder keys and push-to-start fobs (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek). Spares are routine; most lost-key jobs supported.
Mitsubishi
Transponder and proximity keys (Outlander, Eclipse Cross). We cut and program most on site.
Hyundai
Transponder, flip and proximity smart keys (Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe). On-site programming for most models and years.
Kia
Transponder, flip and push-to-start keys (Optima, Sorento, Sportage, Telluride). Spares and most replacements handled mobile.
Genesis
Proximity smart keys on G70, G80 and GV models. Programming supported for most; call to confirm by model year.
Volkswagen
Transponder and proximity keys (Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas). Many are programmed on site; some require extra steps for all-keys-lost.
BMW
Comfort Access and proximity fobs. Spares are often supported on site; some lost-key and coded jobs may need additional tools - call first.
Mercedes-Benz
Proximity smart keys with high-security systems. Some are handled mobile while others need specialized programming; we'll be honest about what your model requires.
Audi
Proximity and advanced key systems (A4, Q5, Q7). Many spares are supported on site; certain lost-key jobs are more involved.
Volvo
Proximity smart keys on XC and S models. Programming supported for most; confirm by year and model.
MINI
Comfort Access and remote keys. Spares are commonly supported on site; some coded jobs may need extra time.
How an on-site car key job works
When you call, we ask for your year, make and model, whether you have a working key, and your location. With that we bring the correct blank, the cutting equipment and the programmer. On site, we cut the blade to your vehicle (by code or by reading the lock), program the chip or smart key to your car's computer, and test that the key both unlocks and starts the vehicle before we hand it over. For most cars the whole visit takes well under an hour, and you never have to tow the vehicle anywhere.
Why a locksmith beats the dealership for most key jobs
Dealers usually require you to tow the car in, wait for an appointment, and pay premium rates for the same key. Because we come to you and specialize in keys and locks, we typically finish faster and charge less - and we serve every town in the area, from Hardeeville and Bluffton to Hilton Head, Ridgeland, Beaufort and Okatie. The dealer still makes sense for a few rare or very new models with locked-down security; when that's the case, we'll tell you honestly rather than waste your time.
Looking for more on chips and smart keys? See our transponder & car key page, or explore all of our automotive locksmith services. Ready to go? Request a free estimate or call (843) 350-1700.
Serving Hardeeville & the Surrounding SC Lowcountry
We are a mobile locksmith based in Hardeeville, SC, and we bring our car key replacement service to communities across the region. Wherever you are in the Lowcountry, help is close by:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you really make keys for all these makes on site?
For the large majority of models, yes - we cut and program right at your vehicle. A small number of very new or high-security European models can require dealer-only tools, and we'll tell you honestly when that's the case. Call (843) 350-1700 with your year, make and model.
What does it cost to replace a car key?
It depends on your vehicle and key type - a basic transponder key is far cheaper than a proximity smart key, and a spare costs less than an all-keys-lost job. We give you an upfront price once we know your year, make and model.
Can you make a key if I lost all of mine?
Yes, for most vehicles we can generate and program a new key with no working key present. It takes a bit more time than a simple spare, but it still saves you a tow and a dealer wait.
Is it cheaper to get a spare made before I lose my key?
Almost always. Making a spare while you still have a working key is the fastest, cheapest option - the expensive scenario is being stranded with no key at all.
How long does it take?
Most on-site car key jobs are completed in under an hour. Some all-keys-lost and high-security models take longer, and we'll tell you upfront before we begin.
Do you come to me, or do I bring the car to you?
We're fully mobile - we come to your home, workplace or roadside location anywhere in the Hardeeville area and make the key right there.