“Do you do my car?” is the first question most people ask when they call. The honest answer is: for most makes, yes, but it depends on the year and the key system more than the brand name. A key for an older Honda Civic and a proximity fob for a 2025 Prius are very different jobs, even though both are everyday Japanese cars.
How Car Keys Changed Over the Years
- Plain metal keys: older cars. Cut the blade and it works.
- Chip (transponder) keys: most cars from the last twenty-plus years. The chip has to be programmed to the car, or the engine won’t start even if the key turns.
- Remote head and flip keys: chip keys with the lock buttons built in.
- Smart keys and proximity fobs: push-to-start cars. The car senses the fob, and it has to be programmed to that exact car.
Each brand uses its own systems, and they change from one model year to the next. That’s why we always ask for the year, make and model first.
Brands We See Most
These are the brands we work on most often, each with its own page of real jobs and reviews:
- Toyota and Lexus: RAV4 smart key with no keys left, a 2025 Prius proximity fob, Tacoma and Yaris keys, Lexus fobs.
- Honda: Pilot, Accord and Civic keys and fobs.
- Kia: Telluride smart and flip keys, Optima and Sportage.
- Ford: F-150 Lightning push-to-start keys and keys for Transit and E-Series work vans.
- Jeep, Ram and Chrysler: Wrangler and Grand Cherokee keys and fobs, Ram and Chrysler keys.
- Mercedes-Benz: key replacement and programming on many models.
We also work on Chevrolet, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru, Mazda, Acura, Infiniti, Buick, Dodge, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Jaguar and more. See them all on car keys by brand.
When It Has to Be the Dealer
A few newer models, especially some recent luxury cars, still need a key that only the dealer can supply. We won’t pretend otherwise. If yours is one of them, we’ll tell you on the phone before anyone drives anywhere, so you don’t pay for a wasted trip.
What to Tell Us When You Call
- Year, make and model. The most important part.
- What the key looks like: plain key, key with buttons, flip key, or a fob with a start button in the car.
- What happened: lost every key, need a spare, fob stopped working, key won’t turn.
- Where the car is parked.
With that we can give you a price on the phone and tell you honestly if we can do your car. Call (510) 766-0099.
All-Makes FAQs
Can you program a key fob I bought online?
Sometimes. Many online fobs are the wrong frequency or already locked to another car. Send us the part number when you call and we’ll tell you if it will work.
Do luxury cars cost more?
Usually, yes. The keys themselves cost more and the programming takes more work. Call with your car details for an exact price.
Do you work on fleets and work vans?
Yes. We’ve made keys for a fleet of Ford Transit vans. Tell us the models and how many keys you need.
Related: car key programming, key fob programming and replacement, car key replacement and car keys by brand.
About the author
Adam owns and runs Hub Key Services, a licensed mobile automotive locksmith in Fremont, CA (California license LCO-8291). Meet the technician.