Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Car Lockout
Yes. We use professional automotive entry tools and techniques designed to protect your paint, glass, and weatherstripping. Unlike roadside assistance that may use aggressive wedging, we start with the least invasive method, often using specialized Lishi tools through the lock itself. If wedges are needed, we apply controlled pressure with protective materials to prevent any damage to your vehicle.
Our average response time is 20-30 minutes depending on your location and traffic conditions. We dispatch immediately when you call and serve Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. We'll provide an estimated arrival time when you call. If you have a child or pet locked inside, we prioritize your call and respond as quickly as possible.
Yes. We typically unlock the driver's door first, then access the trunk release button inside the vehicle. Most modern cars have trunk releases in the glove box, driver's door, or near the steering wheel. If your car lacks an interior release, we have tools to safely open the trunk directly without damage. The process takes just a few extra minutes.
If you've lost your only key, we can unlock your vehicle and cut and program a new key on-site in most cases. This eliminates towing costs and dealership wait times. The process takes longer than a simple lockout since we generate a new key from scratch, but most jobs are completed in under an hour. We'll provide a clear price quote before starting work.
Emergency lockout pricing may vary for late-night calls (after 10 PM), early morning (before 7 AM), or major holidays. However, we always provide the total price before dispatching a technician. Standard daytime and evening calls typically start at $75. Our goal is transparent pricing regardless of when you need help, with no hidden fees.
Yes. We regularly unlock modern vehicles with push-button start systems, keyless entry, and advanced security features. These vehicles require different techniques and tools compared to older models, but our technicians are trained and equipped to handle them. Whether your smart key is locked inside or your key fob battery is dead, we have solutions.
Car Key Replacement
Pricing depends on your vehicle and key type. Traditional metal keys are most affordable at $125-$175. Transponder and remote head keys are mid-range at $175-$250. Smart keys or push-to-start fobs cost $250-$400 due to advanced technology. Making a spare with a working key costs less than replacing all lost keys, which requires more labor and programming. We provide exact pricing upfront with no hidden fees.
Yes. We can create a new key from scratch using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or by decoding your door lock or ignition cylinder. We cut the key blade and program the transponder chip or smart key on-site without towing. Most all-keys-lost situations are resolved in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your vehicle's security system.
Time depends on key type and whether you have a working key. Traditional metal keys take 10-30 minutes. Transponder keys take 15-60 minutes depending on if all keys are lost. Smart keys and push-to-start fobs take 30-60 minutes. Some newer GM models require mandatory security wait times extending to two hours. We'll provide accurate estimates based on your specific vehicle.
In many cases, yes, but not all online keys are truly compatible despite listings claiming they are. Some contain wrong chips, can't be programmed, or were locked to another vehicle. We'll inspect your key first to verify compatibility. If programmable, we'll handle it on-site. If not, we'll provide the correct key we know will work, saving you wasted money.
Yes. When we make a spare or replace a lost key, existing keys continue working normally. We add new keys to your system rather than replacing codes. The exception is if you request disabling old keys for security reasons, such as when you've lost a key and worry someone might find it. We can reprogram to accept only new keys.
Yes. When we program your new key fob, we ensure all functions work properly including remote start, panic buttons, trunk release, and other convenience features. We test each button before leaving to confirm everything operates correctly. Factory remote start will maintain functionality. Aftermarket remote start systems may require separate programming, which we'll discuss during assessment.
Ignition Repair
Common causes include worn-out ignition cylinders, worn or bent keys, steering wheel locks under tension, or debris inside the cylinder. Sometimes the problem is the key; other times it's internal components worn from use. A professional inspection can determine whether the issue is your key, ignition cylinder, or another component requiring repair.
It depends on the problem and condition. If issues stem from worn internal components, damaged wafers, or debris, we can often rebuild your existing ignition on-site. If severely damaged, broken internally, or compromised by theft, replacement is better. We'll diagnose the problem, explain options clearly, and recommend the most cost-effective solution ensuring reliable operation.
Most jobs take 1-2 hours on-site. Simple repairs like removing debris or extracting broken keys take 30-45 minutes. Ignition cylinder replacement typically takes 1-1.5 hours including installation and key programming. Rekeying the new cylinder adds 15-30 minutes. Vehicles with complex security systems may take up to 2 hours. We'll provide accurate estimates when you call.
In most cases, yes. When we install a new ignition cylinder, we can rekey it to match your existing keys, so you won't need separate keys for doors and ignition. If rekeying isn't possible due to cylinder or key system type, we'll cut and program new keys on-site. We can also rekey door locks to match if desired.
Ignition repair (cleaning, lubrication, minor fixes) starts at $100-$150. Ignition cylinder replacement typically costs $200-$400 depending on the vehicle. Rekeying the new ignition to match existing keys costs $50-$100 additional. Programming transponder keys after ignition work costs $75-$150 per key. Luxury vehicles and those with complex security systems may cost more. We provide accurate quotes upfront with no hidden fees.
Yes. Broken key extraction is a common service. We have specialized tools designed to safely remove broken pieces without damaging internal ignition components. Extraction typically takes 15-30 minutes. After removal, we'll inspect the ignition for damage and cut and program a new key on-site. If the break was caused by worn ignition, we'll recommend repair or replacement.
Key Fob Programming
In many cases, yes, but not all online fobs are truly compatible despite listings claiming otherwise. Some look correct but can't be programmed, have wrong chips, or were locked to another vehicle. We'll inspect your fob first to confirm compatibility. If programmable, we'll handle it on-site. If not, we'll provide the correct fob we know will work, preventing wasted money.
Most jobs are completed in 30-45 minutes once we arrive. Basic key fobs (lock/unlock only) take 20-30 minutes. Smart keys and push-to-start fobs take 30-45 minutes due to complex security. Multiple fobs add 10-15 minutes each. Vehicles requiring security resets or all-keys-lost situations may take 45 minutes to an hour. We'll provide accurate estimates based on your vehicle.
No. We provide the same service as dealerships but come to your location with equivalent professional diagnostic equipment. Our pricing is typically 30-50% lower than dealership rates, and we complete most jobs same-day within an hour. Dealerships are good if your vehicle is under warranty and fob replacement is covered. Otherwise, our mobile service offers faster response and convenience.
We can still help. We'll unlock your vehicle if necessary, then program a completely new fob from scratch. The process includes accessing your vehicle, connecting to your computer system, programming a new fob to your VIN, cutting the emergency key blade, and testing all functions. This takes 45 minutes to an hour for most vehicles. Call as soon as you realize it's lost.
No. When we program a new fob, existing fobs continue working normally. We add new fobs alongside existing ones. Most vehicles allow 2-8 fobs programmed simultaneously. The exception is if you request erasing old fobs for security reasons when you've lost one and are concerned about unauthorized access. We'll handle it according to your preference.
It depends. Most programming requires power to your vehicle's computer system. If your battery is completely dead, we can jump-start your vehicle to provide temporary power for programming. If too weak to hold a charge, you may need battery replacement first. We may use an external power source connected directly to the battery. Let us know about battery issues when calling.
Transponder Key Programming
Basic transponder keys for older vehicles (pre-2005) start at $125-$175. Modern chip keys (2006-2015) typically cost $175-$250. Smart keys and proximity systems for newer luxury vehicles range from $250-$400. We provide exact quotes over the phone based on your specific vehicle before dispatching a technician. The price includes key cutting, programming, and testing with no surprise charges or hidden fees.
Yes. Even without any keys, we can program a new transponder key. We cut a new key blade by decoding your door lock, ignition cylinder, or using your VIN. We then connect to your vehicle's computer system and program a new transponder chip to communicate with your immobilizer. We test the key to ensure it starts the vehicle. The process takes 30-60 minutes, completed on-site.
Time depends on whether you have a working key. With at least one working key, simple programming takes 15-30 minutes. If all keys are lost, standard vehicles (2005 and older) take 30-45 minutes, modern vehicles (2006-2020) take 45 minutes to 1 hour, and newer vehicles with advanced security take up to 1.5 hours. Some GM models have mandatory security wait times extending to 2 hours.
No. We provide the same service as dealerships but come to your location with equivalent professional diagnostic tools. Programming quality is identical, but our pricing is typically 30-50% lower than dealership rates. We complete most jobs same-day within an hour. Dealerships are good if your vehicle is under warranty. Otherwise, our mobile service offers faster response, lower costs, and on-site convenience.
In many cases, yes, but many online blanks aren't truly compatible. Common issues include wrong chip type, incorrect key profile that won't fit your ignition, transponders previously programmed to other vehicles, or defective keys containing no chip. We'll inspect your blank first to verify compatibility. If programmable, we'll cut and program on-site. If not, we'll provide the correct key.
No. When we program a new transponder key, existing keys continue working normally. We add new keys to your vehicle's memory without erasing old ones. Most vehicles can have 2-8 keys programmed simultaneously. However, if you've lost a key and want security, we can erase all old keys and program only new ones to ensure previous keys won't work.
Residential Services
House lockout service starts at $75 during standard business hours (7 AM-10 PM, Monday-Saturday). Final cost depends on time of day (late-night or early morning may have additional fees), day of week (Sunday and holiday service may cost more), lock type (standard $75-$100, high-security $100-$150), and complexity. We always quote prices before dispatching with no surprises.
Yes. Rekeying is almost always more affordable than replacing locks. We change internal pins so old keys no longer work, but lock hardware stays in place. You receive new keys that match the new configuration. Your old keys become useless. Rekeying is ideal when you've just moved, lost keys, or want all locks working with one key. It costs significantly less than new locks.
Yes. Rekeying is almost always more affordable than replacing locks. We change internal pins so old keys no longer work, but lock hardware stays in place. You receive new keys that match the new configuration. Your old keys become useless. Rekeying is ideal when you've just moved, lost keys, or want all locks working with one key. It costs significantly less than new locks.
Yes. We install and program all major brands of smart locks and keyless entry systems. Types include keypad locks (code entry), Bluetooth locks (smartphone unlock), WiFi-enabled locks (remote control via app), fingerprint/biometric locks, and smart locks with backup keys. We handle professional installation, programming, smartphone connection, home automation integration, function testing, and user instructions. We'll help you choose the right system.
In most cases, rekeying is sufficient and much more affordable. You can't know how many keys exist from previous owners, family, contractors, cleaners, agents, or neighbors. Rekeying is best when locks are in good condition, you like current hardware, you want cost-effective security, and locks are quality brands. Replace when locks are old or damaged, you want higher security, current hardware is cheap, or you want keyless entry features..
Yes. We provide emergency lockout service 24/7 including nights, weekends, and holidays. House lockouts happen anytime. Average response time is 20-30 minutes. Emergency pricing may apply for late-night or holiday calls. We quote the price including any after-hours fees before dispatching. We work quickly to get you back inside safely. Being locked out at night is stressful, so immediate service is available.