What kind of car key do I have?
The type of key decides how a new one gets made, so it's worth a quick look. Match yours here:
| What your key looks like | What it is | What a new one needs |
|---|---|---|
| All metal, or a thin plastic head, on an older car | Basic mechanical key | Cutting only. This is the quick one. |
| Thick plastic head, no buttons | Transponder (chip) key | Cutting, plus programming or cloning the chip |
| Buttons and blade in one piece, or a blade that flips out | Remote head or flip key | Cutting, chip programming and remote programming |
| No blade showing, and the car has a start button | Proximity smart key | A matching fob programmed to the car. See smart key replacement. |
| A wavy groove down the middle of the blade instead of notches on the edge | Laser-cut (sidewinder) key | A different cutting machine than a hardware store has |
If your car is a 2008 or newer model sold in Canada, it almost certainly has a chip in the key. Immobilizers became mandatory on new cars here in 2007. If you already have a cut key that turns but won't start the car, what it needs is transponder key programming.
Can you make a car key if I lost all my keys?
Yes, for most cars. Locksmiths call this an "all keys lost" job. It takes longer than copying a key you still have, because there's nothing to copy. We work out the cut from the key code or by reading the lock, then program a new chip or fob to the car. If the car is locked too, we start with a car lockout and get you in first.
With no key to go on, we're strict about ownership. Have these ready:
- Your vehicle ownership or registration, in your name
- Government photo ID with a matching name
- The VIN, which is on the ownership, on your insurance pink slip and on the dashboard where it meets the windshield
While we program the new key, we can usually delete the lost ones from the car's memory so they won't start the engine. Ask for this if your keys were stolen or lost with something that shows your address. On most cars the old blade can still turn the door lock by hand, so keep using the remote to lock the car and park somewhere sensible until you're comfortable.
Need car key replacement now? A real person answers 24/7.
Call (647) 367-8113Locksmith or dealer: who should replace my car key?
Both can do it for most cars. The difference is mostly where the car has to be and how long you wait.
| Question | Mobile car locksmith | Dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Does the car need to be towed? | No. We come to the car. | Usually, if you have no working key |
| How soon? | Often the same day, at any hour | Depends on parts and the service schedule |
| Original or aftermarket key? | Both, on many models. We explain the difference. | Original only |
| Every make and model? | Most. Some European luxury and brand-new models are dealer-only. | Their own brand |
If the dealer is the only real option for your car, we'll tell you when you call. We'd rather send you there than waste your evening.
Why should I get a spare car key now?
Adding a key to a car that already has a working one is the simplest version of this job. Losing your last key turns it into an all-keys-lost job, which takes longer, needs more paperwork and costs more. A lot of used cars are sold with only one key, so check what came with yours.
Signs it's time to get a new or extra key:
- You only have one key for the car
- The blade is worn smooth, bent or only works on the second try
- The plastic head is cracked and the chip inside could fall out
- The remote buttons work some days and not others
Don't hide a spare in a magnetic box under the bumper or in the glovebox. Those are the first places a thief checks. Keep it at home, away from the front door.
How much does a replacement car key cost in Toronto?
Mostly it comes down to the key type and whether you still have one that works. A plain metal key for an older car is at one end. An all-keys-lost smart key for a newer SUV is at the other. We give you the price on the phone once we know the car, it's confirmed before we cut anything, and there's no call-out fee.
For the most accurate quote, tell dispatch:
- Year, make and model
- What the key looks like (plain, chip, buttons, or push-to-start)
- How many working keys you have, if any
- Where the car is parked
What happens when you call?
Tell us the car and the situation
Year, make and model, how many working keys you have, and where the car is parked.
Get your price
Dispatch confirms the key type and the price before anyone drives out.
Ownership check
At the car, we check your ownership, photo ID and the VIN.
Cut, program and test
We cut the blade, program the chip or fob, and test lock, unlock and start with you.
Page reviewed October 2026 by the LocksmithGT team.