Most people only start thinking about a spare key after they have already lost their main one. That is the worst time to deal with it: rushed, stressful and often more expensive.
Getting a spare made when you are not in a hurry is one of the simplest, most practical things you can do as a car owner in the GTA. Here is exactly how it works.
From the field
A pattern we see over and over. One regular, M., learned it the hard way and now books a spare with every car. Nobody calls for a spare until the only key is already lost, which is the most expensive moment to deal with it. Get a second key cut on a quiet afternoon, while the original still works, and you pay a fraction and skip the whole emergency. That timing is the entire trick.
Why a spare key is worth having
The obvious reason: if you lose your only key, you are stuck. But there are a few less obvious ones too.
- A spare often makes a lost-key job faster and cheaper, because some programming is simpler when at least one working key is present
- Family members driving the same car need their own access
- Rental properties, fleet vehicles and households with several drivers all benefit
- Some newer cars need two programmed keys for a full security reset, so having a spare already means less work if something goes wrong
What you need to know before you call
How a spare gets made depends entirely on the type of key your car uses. This is the most important thing to sort out up front.
Basic metal key (no chip)
Older vehicles, most pre-2000 models, use a plain cut key with no electronics. A hardware store or locksmith can cut a copy from your existing key in minutes. Simple, cheap, no programming needed.
Transponder key (chip key)
Most cars made after 2000 use a transponder keywith a chip inside. Cutting the key is only step one. The chip also has to be programmed to match your car's immobilizer, which needs professional gear. A hardware store key blank will not start the car even if the cut is perfect.
Smart key or key fob
Push-to-start vehicles use a proximity fob that talks to the car wirelessly. No cutting needed, the fob just has to be programmed to your car. This is a key programming job that takes 30 to 60 minutes on-site.
Need help right now?
Tell us your vehicle year, make, and model. We will confirm what your spare key involves and quote the cost before you book.
Call (647) 557-8103 - free quote by phone, no obligationWhat the process looks like
When you call a mobile locksmith for a spare key, here is what usually happens:
- You describe your car. Year, make, model and the key you have now. The locksmith confirms what the spare involves.
- You get a quote by phone. Before anything is booked, with no obligation until you agree to the price.
- The locksmith comes to you. At your home, workplace, or wherever the car is parked.
- The key is cut and/or programmed on-site. Usually 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the car.
- You test it and sign off. The spare works, you pay, done.
How much does a spare key cost in the GTA?
Cost depends on the key type and vehicle:
| Key type | Typical spare cost |
|---|---|
| Basic metal key | $10 to $30 (hardware store or locksmith) |
| Transponder key | $120 to $280 (cutting plus programming) |
| Smart key / proximity fob | $180 to $400 (programming only) |
| High-security or luxury key | $250 to $500+ |
Mobile locksmiths in the GTA are generally 30 to 60 percent cheaper than dealerships for the same spare key. See our full car key cost guide for a complete breakdown.
Do you need to bring the car to anyone?
No, that is the whole point of a mobile service.
We come to your location anywhere in the GTA, whether that is your driveway in Toronto, a parking lot in Mississauga, or a side street in Vaughan. As long as the car is there, we can do the work.
Can you get a spare key without the original?
Yes, though it is a different process. With no working key, the locksmith builds a new one from the VIN and vehicle security data. This is called an all-keys-lost job. It is more involved and a bit more expensive, but it is done regularly.
You will need to show proof of ownership, your registration or title, before the work starts. That is standard practice for any reputable locksmith.
When is the best time to get a spare made?
Right now, honestly. Not in a crisis, not on the side of a highway at 9pm. Getting a spare made when you have time to plan means a better price, no stress, and a backup ready for the next time something goes wrong.