How Much Does Car Key Replacement Cost in Melbourne in 2026?
The short answer: anywhere from $75 to $900+. Helpful, right?
The real answer depends on three things: what car you drive, what type of key it uses, and who you get to do the job. A basic transponder key for a 2010 Corolla is a completely different proposition from a proximity smart key for a 2021 BMW X3. And the same key from a dealer versus a mobile locksmith like us can vary by hundreds of dollars.
Let's break it down properly.
Car Key Replacement Cost by Key Type
Not all car keys are the same. The technology inside the key directly affects the price.
Basic Metal Key (No Electronics)
Cost: $20–$50
If your car is pre-1998, it might use a plain metal key with no transponder chip. These are simple cuts. Any decent locksmith or even some hardware stores can do them. But honestly, there aren't many of these still on the road. If your car is this old and still running, fair play to you.
Transponder Key (Chip Key)
Cost: $75–$250
The most common type for vehicles made between roughly 1998 and 2015. A metal key blade with a microchip embedded in the plastic head. The chip communicates with the car's immobiliser. No chip signal, no engine start. These need to be cut AND programmed, which is why they cost more than a plain key.
Common cars that use transponder keys:
- Toyota Corolla, Camry (pre-2015 models)
- Holden Commodore (VT through VE)
- Ford Falcon, Focus (pre-2015)
- Mazda 3, 6 (pre-2014)
- Nissan X-Trail, Navara
More about how these work: Transponder keys explained
Remote Key Fob (Key + Buttons)
Cost: $150–$350
A transponder key with integrated buttons for remote locking, unlocking, and sometimes boot release. The fob casing, the buttons, and the remote circuitry all add to the cost on top of the basic transponder programming.
Proximity / Smart Key (Push-Button Start)
Cost: $200–$500
The newer style where the key stays in your pocket and the car detects its proximity. Press a button on the dash to start the engine. These contain more sophisticated electronics and cost more to replace. They're also easier to lose because you never take them out of your bag.
Common cars with smart keys:
- Mazda CX-5 (2017+)
- Hyundai Tucson, i30 (2016+)
- Toyota RAV4, Kluger (2018+)
- BMW 3 Series, X1, X3
- Mercedes C-Class, GLA
All-Keys-Lost Replacement
Cost: $200–$600
If you've lost every key to your car, the job is more complex. We need to generate a new key from scratch using the car's VIN number, which involves different equipment and more time. This is always more expensive than cutting a spare when you still have a working key. The lesson? Get a spare made before this happens.
Car Key Replacement Cost by Brand
Different brands = different key systems = different prices. Here's a rough guide based on what we typically charge (not what the dealer charges, that's the next section).
| Brand | Typical Key Type | Our Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Transponder / Smart | $75 – $300 |
| Mazda | Transponder / Smart | $100 – $350 |
| Hyundai | Transponder / Smart | $100 – $300 |
| Ford | Transponder / Remote | $100 – $300 |
| Holden | Transponder | $75 – $200 |
| Nissan | Transponder / Smart | $100 – $350 |
| Subaru | Transponder / Smart | $100 – $350 |
| Volkswagen | Transponder / Smart | $150 – $400 |
| BMW | Smart / Proximity | $200 – $450 |
| Mercedes | Smart / Proximity | $250 – $450 |
| Audi | Smart / Proximity | $200 – $450 |
These are indicative ranges. The exact price depends on the model, year, and whether it's a spare key or an all-keys-lost situation. Call 0456 013 246 for a specific quote. It takes about 30 seconds.
Dealer vs Mobile Locksmith: The Price Gap
This is the bit that makes people angry. And rightly so.
Here's what a dealer typically charges for the same key we'd cut for a fraction of the price:
| Scenario | Dealer Price | Quick Car Keys |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla transponder key | $300–$450 | $75–$150 |
| Mazda CX-5 smart key | $500–$700 | $200–$350 |
| BMW 3 Series proximity key | $700–$900 | $250–$450 |
| Holden Commodore (VE) transponder | $250–$400 | $75–$150 |
| All-keys-lost (any brand) | $600–$1,200+ | $200–$600 |
And that's just the key price. The dealer also requires you to bring the car to them, which means a tow truck if you've lost all keys ($150+ right there), plus potential wait times of 1–3 weeks for European brands.
We come to you. Same day. 30–60 minutes. Done.
For the full comparison: Dealer vs locksmith for car keys
Why the Price Varies So Much
A few factors that push the price up or down:
Key complexity. A basic metal-blade transponder key has fewer components than a proximity smart key with buttons, casing, and a rechargeable battery.
Brand-specific equipment. Some manufacturers use proprietary systems that require specialised programming software. European brands tend to be pricier because of this.
Spare vs all-keys-lost. Having one working key means the new key can be cloned or paired more easily. No working keys = more complex process = higher cost.
Year of manufacture. Newer cars (2018+) tend to have more sophisticated anti-theft systems. An older car with a simple transponder is almost always cheaper.
How to Get a Quote
Don't guess. Call us. It's free and takes less than a minute.
Tell Buzz your car's make, model, and year, what's happened (lost key, spare needed, broken fob), and where the car is. He'll give you a firm price on the phone. That's the price. No add-ons when he arrives.
Every job comes with a 3-year warranty on parts and labour. Because if we're going to be cheaper than the dealer, we should also be better.