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MYSTIC.AUTO KEY (617) 961-9211

Service area

Car key replacement in Cambridge

Mobile key making and programming in Cambridge, MA. We come to your car — lost keys, spares, key fobs, push-to-start. 5–15 minutes from Somerville from the Somerville base.

Working in Cambridge

Cambridge is the closest town outside Somerville and the most common call. From Harvard Square to Kendall, I cover the river-side neighbourhoods and reach most of the city quickly. Students, biotech commuters, and long-time residents all run into the same key problems in the same tight parking.

Parking and getting there

Cambridge permit parking is dense and enforced. I pull curbside wherever the car is. In the Kendall and Harvard garages, meet me at the entrance. One-way streets around Central Square can add a few minutes — give me the nearest cross street.

Vehicles in Cambridge

Heavy on compact cars and a surprising number of older Hondas and Toyotas still on transponder keys, which are the most affordable to replace. Push-to-start models are rising among the newer leases around Kendall.

Neighbourhoods covered

  • Harvard Square
  • Central Square
  • Kendall Square
  • Inman Square
  • Porter Square
  • North Cambridge

A note on response time

Cambridge calls respond nearly as fast as Somerville. The only slow window is Harvard Square at the evening rush and during university move-in weeks.

Questions about Cambridge

I am a student and lost my only key. What do I need?
Proof of ownership — the registration or title in your name, plus a photo ID. A vehicle registered to a parent still needs the paperwork brought to the car. No key is cut without it.
Can you reach Kendall Square during the workday?
Yes. Meet me at the garage entrance or a curbside spot nearby. The job is done at the vehicle so you are not waiting at a shop.

Or match your key by sight

Already know your key? Match it here.

Choose your key type

Select a key above to see the price range and what to do next.

Basic metal blade

Honest price range

Spare $45–75

All keys lost $60–95

Spare: Order ahead · 2–3 days All keys lost:

A plain cut key with no electronics. Common on older domestic trucks and a few basic models. No transponder, no buttons.

Bladed keys are cut to your vehicle’s specification, so this is booked ahead rather than done on the spot. Order today, programmed and in your hand in 2–3 days.

Transponder key

Honest price range

Spare $135–185

All keys lost $225–325

Spare: Order ahead · 2–3 days All keys lost: Not currently offered

A plastic-headed key with a transponder chip inside. Looks like an ordinary key but the vehicle will not start without the chip. Most cars since about 1998.

Bladed keys are cut to your vehicle’s specification, so this is booked ahead rather than done on the spot. Order today, programmed and in your hand in 2–3 days.
All keys lost for this key type is not currently offered. The dealer is the path when every bladed key is gone — get a spare while a working key still exists.

Remote head key

Honest price range

Spare $175–250

All keys lost $275–375

Spare: Order ahead · 2–3 days All keys lost: Not currently offered

A key blade plus lock and unlock buttons built into one plastic body. The most common key shape on the road today.

Bladed keys are cut to your vehicle’s specification, so this is booked ahead rather than done on the spot. Order today, programmed and in your hand in 2–3 days.
All keys lost for this key type is not currently offered. The dealer is the path when every bladed key is gone — get a spare while a working key still exists.

Smart proximity fob

Honest price range

Spare $250–375

All keys lost $375–550

Spare: Available now All keys lost: Available now

A fob with no blade. You keep it in your pocket and push a button to start. Push-to-start proximity keys are standard on most cars built after about 2014.

All keys lost: Yes, the largest jump. There is no blade to copy — the fob is paired to the vehicle through an encrypted programming session, and a PIN is often extracted first.

Laser-cut / sidewinder blade

Honest price range

Spare $175–250

All keys lost $300–450

Spare: Order ahead · 2–3 days All keys lost: Not currently offered

A thick blade with the cut milled into the side rather than the edge — the signature cut on many modern Honda, Lexus, and higher-trim keys. Often paired with a transponder or smart system.

Bladed keys are cut to your vehicle’s specification, so this is booked ahead rather than done on the spot. Order today, programmed and in your hand in 2–3 days.
All keys lost for this key type is not currently offered. The dealer is the path when every bladed key is gone — get a spare while a working key still exists.

Next step

Call now, or book a spare key

Calls answered directly. Same-day service in most cases.

The price quoted on the phone is the price you pay. No bait-and-switch.