IllustrationCan a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Yes, for most of the cars on Perth roads — and we do it at the car, not at a workshop. Keys, key fobs and push start smart keys.
For Japanese, Korean and most American-built cars, yes. We come to wherever the car is, cut a new key from the vehicle’s own data and program it to the immobiliser on the spot. You do not need a working key, and the car does not need to be towed. European and Chinese cars are the exception: we open them without damage, and the only key we make for them is a Volkswagen spare.
- Makes
- Japanese, Korean, most US-built
- Where
- At the car, anywhere in Perth
- Time
- About half an hour at the car, once we are there
How it works when every key is gone
We work from the car, not the key
People assume a locksmith copies a key. When every key is lost there is nothing to copy, so we work the other way round: the key code comes from the vehicle itself. We read it from the lock or from the car’s own data, cut a blade to match, then program the new key to the immobiliser so the engine will actually start.
What we need before we start
Photo identification and something that shows the car is yours — registration papers, an insurance document, a finance statement. We check it every time, on every job, without exception. It is the single thing standing between a locksmith and helping somebody steal a car, so nobody gets an argument out of us on it.
Which cars
All the Japanese makes — Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki — plus Hyundai and Kia, and most American-built cars including Ford and Holden. That covers the large majority of what is parked in Perth driveways.
What we do not do is cut keys for European or Chinese cars. We will open them without a mark on the paint, and for a Volkswagen we can make a spare while you still have a working key, but an all-keys-lost job on a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, MG, Haval or BYD needs the dealer or a marque specialist. We will say so on the phone rather than drive out and waste your afternoon.
The old key stops working
When we program a new key we can delete the lost one from the car’s computer, so it will no longer start the engine. Worth knowing: a deleted key may still physically open the doors, because door barrels are mechanical. If the keys were stolen rather than mislaid, tell us, because that changes what we recommend.
Why not the dealer
A dealer will usually want the car brought to them, which means a tow if it cannot be started, and the wait is measured in days rather than hours. We come to the car. On the cost, a locksmith is usually well under dealer pricing, but the honest answer is that it depends on the make, the year and the type of key — so we work it out with you on the phone and agree the price before we start.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
Can you make a car key if I have lost every single one?
Yes, for Japanese, Korean and most US-built cars. We take the code from the vehicle rather than from a key, cut a new blade and program it to the immobiliser at the car.
Do I need to have the car towed anywhere?
No. We come to the car wherever it is — at home, at work, in a car park or on the verge.
What identification do you need?
Photo ID plus a document showing the car is yours, such as the registration papers or an insurance or finance document. We check this on every car key job.
Can you make a key for a BMW or a Mercedes?
No. We open European cars without damage, and we can make a spare for a Volkswagen while you still have a working key, but we do not make keys for other European or Chinese makes. We will tell you who can.
Will the lost key still work afterwards?
We can delete it from the car’s computer so it will not start the engine. It may still open the doors, because the door barrels are mechanical, so if the keys were stolen let us know.
How long does it take?
Usually about half an hour at the car once we are there. We never promise an arrival time, but we will tell you honestly when we can get to you.