Car key replacement costs in Melbourne
Short answer
Still have a working key? Ask for a spare-key quote. Lost every key? Ask for an all-keys-lost quote. They can involve different parts, programming and attendance. Tell the provider what your key needs to do—unlock and start the car, plus any remote or push-button features—and ask for a written total for your make, model and year.
Which job are you pricing?
Spare key: you have one working key and need another.
All keys lost: there is no usable key, so different vehicle-access or security work may be required.
Lockout: a working key is inside the car; gaining access may be a separate service.
Shell or blade repair: the electronic part may still work and not need replacing.
Unresponsive remote: the problem could be the battery or another fault rather than a new programmed key.
What do replacement car keys cost in Melbourne?
There isn't one replacement-key price for Melbourne. A spare made while you still have a working key is different from replacing all lost keys; the type of key and mobile attendance also affect cost. The figures below are examples advertised by two Melbourne automotive locksmiths, not a market-average survey.
RAM Automotive Locksmiths' published Melbourne metro ranges vary by make and model. Its schedule flags extra fees for after-hours work or some jobs requiring mobile attendance, and does not establish GST inclusion.
Budget Auto Keys says its vehicle-specific mobile quotes include the key, programming, call-out and GST. Its website describes smart/push-button keys as typically $250–$500 for its own work. Confirm the current price, key functions and inclusions for your exact vehicle.
These are advertised figures, not completed customer quotes or verified invoices. Ask for the full written total, including any conditional charges, before booking.
Original provider sources (checked 18 October 2026): RAM Automotive Locksmiths pricing — https://www.ramautomotivelocksmiths.com.au/pricing/ ; Budget Auto Keys — https://budgetautokeys.com.au/.
What you need | Advertised price (AUD) | Where / scope |
|---|---|---|
Damaged shell and blade; reuse existing chip | $60–$200 — RAM | In-store; no new transponder |
Spare non-remote programmed key | $95–$550 — RAM | In-store; working key |
Spare remote-head programmed key | $140–$800 — RAM | In-store; working key |
All keys lost — non-remote key | $330–$850 — RAM | On-site |
All keys lost — remote-head key | $470–$1,400 — RAM | On-site |
Mobile spare remote key | $169 for many jobs — Budget | Provider claim; eligible vehicles |
Smart / push-button key | $250–$500 — Budget | Supplier-described range; confirm exact job |
What changes the price?
The car's make, model, year and key system affect the compatible part and work required. A cut blade, coded transponder, remote-head key and proximity fob are different products. On some vehicles, cutting a blade alone will not let the car start.
Whether a working key remains can change the programming or security process. A workshop spare-key job also differs from a mobile visit or transporting an all-keys-lost car.
Ask whether the amount includes the part, blade cutting, programming, tests that the key unlocks and starts the car, relevant remote functions, attendance, GST and additional work. Don't compare two headline prices unless they're for the same vehicle and job.
How to get a useful written quote
Give the provider the exact make, model and year, explain whether a working key remains, and ask it to confirm support for that system. Request a total that separates included work from conditional fees. For the full comparison checklist and copyable enquiry, see What a car-key quote should include.
Locksmith or dealership?
An automotive locksmith or dealership may be able to help, depending on the vehicle and key system. Ask each for a written vehicle-specific quote showing the part, programming, testing, and any travel or transport costs. Auto locksmith or dealership for a replacement car key? compares the two pathways.
If costs or insurance are disputed
Keep the original quote and later changes. When a locksmith's final bill is higher than the quote explains how to check an unexpectedly high final bill. Lost and stolen keys may be treated differently by insurers; Does car insurance cover lost or stolen keys? explains what to check in your actual policy.
Your next step
Compare your quotes
Set out the work and fee lines. Keep missing charges and differences in scope visible.
Compare your quotesMore guides on this topic
- Lost all your car keys? What to do next
- Spare car key or all keys lost: what's different?
- Auto locksmith or dealership for a replacement car key?
- What a car-key quote should include
- Car-key programming charges explained
- Car-key call-out fees: what to ask before a locksmith travels
- What to tell an automotive locksmith before they attend
- Buying a replacement car key online: what to check first
- When a locksmith's final bill is higher than the quote