For 95% of cars on the road, a mobile locksmith beats the dealership on price, speed, and hassle. The exceptions are rare — mostly 2022+ luxury European vehicles with encrypted immobilizers only the dealer can pair.
Transponder key (most 1998–2012 cars): locksmith $90–$220, dealer $180–$400 plus tow.
Smart / push-to-start key (2013+ Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan): locksmith $220–$450, dealer $400–$700 plus tow.
Luxury smart key (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Range Rover): locksmith $350–$700 for models we support; dealer $500–$1,200. Some 2022+ models must go to the dealer.
Why the gap is so wide: dealerships charge shop-rate labor ($150–$220/hr), mark up the blank key 2–3x, and almost always require a tow because they can't come to you. A mobile locksmith drives to your driveway, cuts the blade, and programs in 20–45 minutes.
The one case the dealer wins: your car is under warranty, you have a working key, and the dealer offers a free loaner. Then the wait is worth the zero-dollar price.
Before you call anyone: grab the VIN (dashboard or driver's door jamb), the year/make/model, and know whether you have a working key. Those three pieces get you a firm quote in under a minute.