Why a Spare Key Is Worth It
Losing your only key turns a small problem into a big one. With no working key, the car has to be opened and a key made from scratch. With one working key, we simply copy it and add the new one to the car. It’s less work, takes less time and costs less than an all-keys-lost job.
A spare makes sense if you:
- Bought a used car that came with only one key
- Share the car with a partner or a teenage driver
- Keep losing track of keys during busy weeks
- Are heading off on a road trip and want a backup in your bag
How We Make a Duplicate Car Key
- Tell us the car and the key type. Year, make and model, and a photo of the key helps. We quote on the phone.
- We cut the new blade from your key. Our cutting machine reads your working key and cuts a matching blade, including laser-cut and high-security keys. More on that on our key cutting page.
- We program the chip or smart key. Most cars made in the last 25 years won’t start with a key that’s only cut. We add the new key to the car with our programming tool. See car key programming.
- We test both keys. Starting, locking and unlocking.
Spare Key vs. Key Copy at a Hardware Store
A hardware store can copy the metal blade of an older key, but most can’t program the chip that lets the car start. If your car has a chip key, a remote head key or a push-to-start fob, a cut-only copy will open the doors but won’t start the engine. We do both parts at the car.
Vehicle Makes and Models Covered
We make spare keys for Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Jeep, Subaru, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Lexus, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and more, from basic chip keys to proximity smart keys. Recent spare and add-a-key jobs include a Kia Telluride smart key, a Honda Pilot and a Ford F-150.
What a Spare Key Costs
The price depends mostly on the key type: a chip key, a remote head key or a smart key. Programming steps vary by make. See the typical range for a key addition on our pricing page, and call with your car details for an exact quote.
Why Choose Hub Key Services for Spare Keys
- Done at your car, at home or at work. No trip to the dealer.
- Cut and programmed in one visit, so the spare actually starts the car.
- Licensed and insured, California locksmith license LCO-8291.
- Backed by a warranty. 60 days on our work, plus the manufacturer’s warranty on new parts. See our warranty policy.
Lost your only key already? Then you need car key replacement instead. We offer spare keys all over Fremont and in Newark, Pleasanton, Palo Alto and the rest of our service areas.
Car Key Duplication FAQs
Can you copy a key fob or smart key?
Yes, for most cars. We add a new smart key or fob to the car’s system using our programming tool, so it works just like the original.
Do I need to bring the car?
No, we come to the car. The car needs to be there because the new key is programmed to it.
Is it cheaper to make a spare now than later?
Yes. Adding a key while you still have a working one is simpler than making one after every key is lost, so it costs less.
How many spare keys can you add?
Most cars accept several keys. We’ll tell you the limit for your car when you call.
