Frequently Asked Questions – Canadian Locksmiths

1. How much does a duplicate or cloned car key cost?

Standard non-remote duplicates and cloned keys start at $100 for most vehicles. This applies to many Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and similar models when an existing working key is present. For spare keys and remotes, see our Spare & Duplicate Keys page.

2. How much does it cost if all keys are lost?

All-keys-lost jobs start at approximately $200 for many domestic vehicles and increase with complexity, security systems, and required programming. You do not need to tow to the dealer. Start with our Lost & Stolen Keys service.

3. What are your typical starting prices by service type?

  • Key duplicate or cloning: from $100
  • All keys lost (standard vehicles): from $200
  • Ignition repair: from $150
  • Cutting/programming customer-supplied parts: from $150
  • Push-to-start / smart key programming: from $200
  • European all-keys-lost (advanced systems): from $300+

Actual pricing depends on year, make, model, location, and system type.

4. Are you cheaper than the dealer?

In most cases yes. Example dealer pricing can range from $350–$1,200+ (and higher for some Jaguar, Land Rover, Subaru, Fiat, and advanced systems). We typically solve the same or harder jobs for up to 50% less, onsite, with no towing. Compare using our Lost & Stolen Keys and Spare & Duplicate Keys pages.

5. Do your keys and remotes come with a warranty?

Yes. All remotes, keys, and fobs supplied and programmed by Canadian Locksmiths include a 90-day warranty against manufacturer defects. If inspection confirms a defect in our supplied product or workmanship, we repair or replace during regular business hours. Non-related issues or third-party parts are subject to a $50 inspection fee.

6. I bought a key online. Can you cut and program it, and is it cheaper?

We can attempt to cut and program customer-supplied parts starting at $150. There is no warranty, guarantee, or refund on customer-supplied material. Our service/diagnostic fee is non-refundable due to the high failure rate of cheap online parts. For reliable results and coverage, use keys and remotes we supply via Spare & Duplicate Keys.

7. If my car will not start after you make a key, are you responsible?

Our warranty covers the key or remote we supplied and programmed, not failing vehicle components. Common non-warranty issues include dead battery, frozen lock, steering lock tension, faulty starter, faulty fuel pump, poor ground, aftermarket wiring, or empty fuel. If testing shows a defective key or remote from us, we handle it under our 90-day warranty. For mechanical or electrical faults, see Ignition, Key & Remote Repair.

8. Can you really do “dealer-only” keys for VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, etc.?

For many Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other advanced platforms, yes. We handle transponders, smart keys, and module programming that dealers claim are exclusive. In many cases we repair or reprogram rather than replace full modules, saving substantial cost. For advanced work see EPROM & Module Flashing and brand pages such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes.

9. How much do European lost key jobs cost?

European all-keys-lost work typically starts around $300, but high-security and module-based vehicles can run into the high hundreds or thousands. Jaguar and Land Rover can approach $2,000; some Subaru and Fiat BCM/immobilizer jobs can reach $2,500. We often still undercut dealer and full-module replacement by using EEPROM, cloning, and targeted programming.

10. Do you handle vehicles without a local dealer, like Volvo or Porsche?

Yes. There is no Volvo or Porsche dealer in Windsor, but we support many Volvo and Porsche key and immobilizer scenarios locally. See Volvo and Porsche pages or contact us with VIN and details for an accurate quote.

11. How much does push-to-start or proximity fob programming cost?

Push-to-start and proximity systems typically start at $200 for programming, Toyota and Lexus smart keys dealer prices average around $500. Pricing depends on year, encryption type, and whether all keys are lost.

12. Can you repair ignitions onsite and what does it cost?

Yes. Ignition and keyway repairs start at approximately $150. Services include stuck key removal, worn ignition rebuild, and matched replacement keyed to your existing locks. Details at Ignition, Key & Remote Repair.

13. Do you erase old or stolen keys from the system?

On supported vehicles, yes. During programming we can remove lost or stolen keys from the immobilizer so they no longer start the car. This is recommended on all-keys-lost and theft-risk cases. Available on many Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, VW, and others.

14. Do aftermarket alarms or remote starters affect pricing or success?

Yes. Quotes assume a stock OEM configuration. Aftermarket alarms, remote starters, kill switches, immobilizers, or previous wiring work can increase complexity, time, and cost, or prevent programming. These conditions must be disclosed. We do not refund if hidden modifications prevent successful programming.

15. Do you offer free estimates and how accurate are they?

We provide free estimates by phone, text, email, and online for most jobs based on year, make, model, and symptoms. On-vehicle diagnostics and advanced electrical testing may require a service charge. Quotes are typically valid for 30 days. Use our Contact Us form with VIN and photos for best accuracy.

16. Do you charge extra outside of Windsor, Tecumseh, or LaSalle?

Yes. Standard pricing applies within Windsor, Tecumseh, and LaSalle. Service to Amherstburg, Essex, Lakeshore, Kingsville, Leamington, Harrow, and parts of Chatham-Kent includes a distance-based surcharge. See Coverage Area for details.

17. What are your coupon, discount, and Buy-One-Get-One rules?

Coupons and discounts apply during regular business hours only and only to listed items. Not valid after hours, weekends, or holidays. One vehicle and trip per offer. Not combinable. For Buy-One-Get-One or multi-key offers, the first key is priced by vehicle and conditions; additional keys are discounted as shown on our Spare & Duplicate Keys page.

18. Can you fix Ford MyKey and other Ford-specific key issues?

Yes. We handle Ford PATS, MyKey resets, lost fobs, and ignition issues. We can often clear restrictions, add admin keys, and program new keys without dealer involvement. See Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Key Replacement.

19. What common GM key and lock issues can you solve?

We handle GM transponder keys, high-security laser keys, remote start fobs, and issues involving BCM and security relearns. In many cases we reprogram or clone modules instead of replacing them. See GM, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Saturn for specifics.

20. Do you offer advanced BCM, ECU, EEPROM, and module services?

Yes. We perform EEPROM work, immobilizer data transfer, BCM/ECU/PCM/Win module cloning, and advanced programming for many makes. This often avoids dealer-level module replacement (for example, Fiat BCM or high-end European systems). Details at EPROM & Module Flashing.

21. Do you service high-end and European brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Jaguar, Land Rover?

Yes. We handle many keys and modules for BMW/MINI, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Pricing is case-specific and higher than domestic vehicles due to encryption and parts, but often still less than dealer replacement and towing.

22. How quickly can you make a key compared to the dealer?

Dealers often need days or weeks to order keys or modules. We stock a wide range of popular keys and remotes and provide same-day or next-day service in most cases, onsite at your location in Windsor and Essex County.

23. Do you handle fleet, commercial, and work vehicles?

Yes. We service pickups, cargo vans, commercial trucks, and many fleet vehicles for Ford, GM, Ram, and others. We can cut and program multiple keys onsite and support ongoing fleet requirements. Contact us for a customized fleet quote.

24. Can you help if my key is broken, stuck, or my ignition is worn?

Yes. We extract broken keys, repair or rebuild ignitions, and cut replacement keys to factory spec. Starting from $150 depending on damage and model. See Ignition, Key & Remote Repair.

25. How do I get the most accurate price for my situation?

Provide your year, make, model, VIN, location, and whether you have any working keys. For complex issues, include photos of the dash, key, and ignition. Use our Contact form, call, or text 519-979-1270 for a clear, written estimate before we dispatch.

Serving Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle & Essex County since 1989

WINDSOR CAR KEY FOB REPLACEMENT QUOTE

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.