Car Key Services in Venice, FL

Most people call us for one of three reasons. The key is lost, and there is no spare. The key either snapped or stopped working, and as a result, the car won't start. Or the keys were stolen, in which case the old ones need to stop working entirely.

Any of those means a new key made from scratch. We cut it using your vehicle identification number, pull the security data from the car's computer, and program it to the immobilizer so the engine turns over.

We can also erase the old keys from the system, which matters if yours were stolen rather than misplaced.

You will need photo ID and proof that the car is yours.

Driving on one key? Get a second one made before something happens to it.

Here is why. With a key in hand, a copy is quick and cheap. Once that last key is gone, we are building one from nothing, and it costs about double.

Most people get a spare when a kid starts driving, when two people share a car, or when they finally get tired of worrying about it.

The second key is 50% off if you get two at once.

Ever had a copy made at a hardware store and the doors opened but the car would not start? That is the chip.

Pretty much every car from the last twenty five years has one hidden in the key. The car looks for it before it lets the engine turn over, and a plain metal copy has nothing to show it.

We program the chip so the key actually works. Older cars are quick. Newer ones take a while longer.

There are several reasons why fobs break, and most of them are easily fixed.

Usually it is the battery. If you have noticed yourself standing closer to the car each week, that is what is happening.

Sometimes the fob just loses touch with the car. This can happen after a dead battery, after certain repairs, or if it gets wet. That one only needs reprogramming.

Sometimes the fob is actually finished. Before you spend money on a new one, we will let you know which one you are dealing with.

Trunk, panic, lock, unlock, and remote start. Each of those needs to be connected to your vehicle independently.

We handle both factory and most aftermarket remote controls. Did you purchase one online, but it didn't work? Before you give up on it, bring it out so we can examine it.

We check every button before we leave, not just the one you use.

Keyless cars use a fob that just sits in your pocket and communicates to the car.

No blade to cut, so people assume it is easier. It is not. The programming takes longer, and the fobs themselves cost more.

We do these for most makes, including when every fob is gone.

The key goes in fine but will not turn? That is usually the ignition, not the key.

Cylinders wear out over time. It happens faster if you have been driving around with a heavy keyring hanging off the ignition, because all that weight slowly pulls things out of line.

The first sign is that you have to jiggle the key. It gets worse from there, and it usually ends with a key stuck or snapped off in the cylinder.

We rebuild or replace it and match it to your existing key when the car allows, so you don’t have to carry two.

We cut and program motorcycle keys, chipped keys included on the newer models. Same as with cars, we come to the bike rather than the other way around, which matters when there is no way to ride it anywhere.

Call with the make, model and year and we will bring the right blank.