Common Questions
What determines the work involved in replacing a lost car key?
The work depends on the vehicle year, make, model, and key type. A basic transponder key, a flip-key remote, and a modern push-to-start proximity fob each involve different equipment, blanks, and programming steps. Call with your year, make, and model so we can confirm the correct key technology and what is needed for your specific vehicle.
How long does it take?
Most jobs are completed in a single on-site visit. Standard transponder programming is usually quick, while proximity smart keys and complex IMMO systems (some BMW, Mercedes, newer GM/Ford) can take longer. We give a realistic time window over the phone before we dispatch.
Do I need to tow my car to a dealership?
Almost never. Our mobile service comes to wherever your vehicle is. We carry the cutting machines, programmers, and key blanks for the vast majority of vehicles on the road. Towing to a dealership usually adds delay and the inconvenience of arranging a tow plus a multi-day wait for the dealer service department.
Can you make a key if I have no working keys at all?
Yes, this is one of the most common calls we get. Using your VIN (found on the dashboard or door jamb), we can cut a new key from scratch and program it to your vehicle's immobilizer on-site. You'll need to show proof of ownership (driver's license matching the registration, or a title document).
Are you available anytime?
Yes. We dispatch service anytime, any day, including holidays. Call with your vehicle year, make, and model so the dispatcher can confirm equipment fit before sending a technician.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and PayPal. Payment is collected on-site after work is complete and you have verified the key works in your vehicle.
Do you work on all car makes?
Yes, every major brand sold in the United States, including domestic (Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, Cadillac, Buick, Lincoln), Asian (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti), and European (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Mini). Call us with your year, make, and model and we'll confirm before dispatching.
Will my new key work as well as the original?
Yes. We use OEM-quality replacement fobs and proper programming procedures, so your new key functions identically to the original, it locks/unlocks the vehicle, starts the engine, and any remote-start or panic features work normally.
Can a locksmith make a key from a VIN?
Most domestic and Asian vehicles from approximately 2000 onward, yes. The key code is retrievable from manufacturer databases via the VIN. Some European brands (especially BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo) require additional dealer authorization for full programming. We'll tell you up front what's possible for your specific vehicle.
What information do you need from me when I call?
Your location, year/make/model of the vehicle, and ideally the 17-character VIN (it's on the dashboard near the windshield, or on the door jamb sticker). That tells us what equipment and key blanks to bring. We'll also need to verify ownership when we arrive, a valid driver's license matching the registration or title is sufficient.
Still have a question?
Call (912) 209-6131, we answer anytime.
More questions we get asked
What happens if you can't fix the problem on-site?
We diagnose the issue, explain what we found, and either propose a follow-up dispatch with the right equipment or refer you to the appropriate next step (a dealer for warranty work, an electrical specialist for non-key wiring issues, or a body shop for collision-related damage). We do not charge for work we cannot complete.
Do you make keys for golf carts or motorcycles?
Golf cart keys yes, for most common cart makes. Motorcycles depend on the make and model. Call with the year and model and we will confirm equipment fit before dispatching.
Can you re-pair my fob after I had the vehicle battery disconnected?
Sometimes the fob automatically re-pairs on first ignition cycle after battery reconnection. When it does not, we connect the OBD-II programmer and re-pair the fob in a few minutes on-site.
What if my fob has a custom housing or aftermarket case?
Custom housings sometimes interfere with the proximity range or the button function. We diagnose and either re-house in an OEM-equivalent case or work around the custom case if it is functional.
Do you provide written invoices?
Yes, on request, both for personal records and for fleet accounts that need documentation for monthly billing reconciliation.
What customers should expect on a mobile dispatch
Mobile dispatch follows a consistent sequence. The technician arrives with the correct equipment for the work confirmed on the phone, verifies customer identification against the vehicle paperwork, performs the work, runs the verification cycle, and collects payment on completion. There are no add-on charges after arrival except for legitimate add-ons explained and confirmed in advance, such as replacing a worn ignition cylinder discovered during inspection.
When to call before the situation becomes an emergency
Spare key service is the single most useful preventive step for any vehicle owner. With a working key as the programmer's authentication seed, a spare is a short on-site job. Without any working key, the programmer must first read the immobilizer PIN from the vehicle, which adds time and complexity. The same working key result in both cases, achieved through a longer process when starting from zero.
What to have ready when you call
- Vehicle year, make, model, and trim.
- 17-character VIN. Dashboard at the windshield base or door jamb sticker.
- FCC ID printed on the back of any existing fob.
- Proof of ownership: driver's license matching the vehicle registration, or the title document.
- Your exact location and a callback number.