Can you program a fob I already own?

If it is the correct part for your vehicle and not locked to another car, yes. I test it first at no charge. If it will not program, the correct fob is supplied at the listed range.

Do you erase the lost fob so it cannot start the car?

When all keys are lost, the old fobs are cleared from the immobilizer during programming so a lost fob no longer works. For a spare, the existing fobs keep working.

Service

Car key fob programming

A new fob, programmed to your vehicle where it sits.

Call (617) 961-9211

$175–550 depending on fob type

Programming a fob means pairing it to the vehicle so the immobilizer accepts it and the central locking responds to it. On modern vehicles this is an encrypted handshake, not a simple learn procedure, and it requires the right equipment at the car.

I carry the programmers for the common makes. A fob is programmed on site without a tow, whether it is a spare or a full replacement for a lost set.

Remote-head fob vs proximity fob

A remote-head key has the buttons built into the key body with a blade. Programming pairs the immobilizer and the remote functions in one session. Spare remote-head keys are offered on an order-ahead basis, cut to your vehicle.

A proximity fob has no blade. Push-to-start systems require a full programming sequence and, for all-keys-lost, a PIN extraction. That is why the proximity fob sits at the higher end of the range — and it is the one key type I originate fully on site when all keys are lost.

Bought a fob online

A fob bought online can sometimes be programmed, but many are the wrong frequency, the wrong region, or already locked to another vehicle. Bring it and I will test whether it is usable before any charge.

If it is not usable, the correct fob is sourced at the listed price range. You are not charged for a fob that cannot be programmed.

Proof of ownership

Before any key is cut or programmed, the registration or title in your name and a matching photo ID are checked. This is the reason a key made through this business cannot be used to steal a car. It is stated as a feature rather than a hurdle — it keeps every vehicle safe, and it deters the kind of request that no honest locksmith should take.

Questions

Can you program a fob I already own?: If it is the correct part for your vehicle and not locked to another car, yes. I test it first at no charge. If it will not program, the correct fob is supplied at the listed range.
Do you erase the lost fob so it cannot start the car?: When all keys are lost, the old fobs are cleared from the immobilizer during programming so a lost fob no longer works. For a spare, the existing fobs keep working.

Or match your key by sight

Already know your key? Match it here.

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.

Order this key See full pricing

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.

Order this key See full pricing

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.

Order this key See full pricing

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.

Call (617) 961-9211 See full pricing

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.

Order this key See full pricing

Next step

Call now

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

Call (617) 961-9211

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