Automotive locksmith service
Lost keys, a failed ignition or a spare you have been putting off? Cairn comes to your vehicle across the Las Vegas valley. Proof of ownership is required.
- Keys cut and programmed at your vehicle
- Written price approved before work begins
- 90-day warranty on supplied and programmed keys
Answered day and night
A Cairn dispatcher answers every day of the year.
Licensed and insured
Employee technicians carry photo ID and a police work card.
Your price comes first
Approve the written price on a tablet before work begins.
Key, fob and ignition work at your car
A missing key, a failed remote and a worn ignition are different jobs. We identify the key system and the work needed before starting.
Car key replacement and programming
We replace lost car keys, make working spares and program replacement keys to the vehicle when its system is supported.
Learn moreKey fob programming
We program compatible remote fobs and smart keys so the vehicle recognizes the replacement.
Learn moreTransponder keys
A chip key needs more than a matching cut. We cut the blade and program its transponder so the engine can start.
Learn moreIgnition repair and replacement
We inspect ignition cylinders that stick, fail to turn or have a broken key inside, then repair or replace them as needed.
Learn more
Vehicles and keys we can work with
The vehicle's year and key system determine what equipment and programming are needed. Some models must go to the dealership.
Domestic and Asian vehicles
We work on most domestic and Asian makes from 1998 onward, subject to the specific model and key system.
Metal and transponder keys
We cut conventional metal keys and make chip keys that must be recognized by the vehicle before it starts.
Remote head keys and fobs
We replace and program compatible remote head keys and separate key fobs.
Smart and proximity keys
We supply and program supported proximity fobs for vehicles with push-button starting systems.
Service where the car sits
Our van works at your home, workplace or parking lot. There is no need to visit a shop for supported key work.
European and motorcycle limits
Many European makes from 2015 onward need dealer-only programming. We tell you by phone before dispatch. Motorcycle keys for most models are quoted by phone.
Mobile key cutting
Key cutting equipment in every van
A replacement car key has two jobs. Its blade must fit the lock or ignition, and its electronic chip must communicate with the vehicle when that system is fitted. Cutting the metal alone will not start most vehicles built since the late 1990s.
Every Cairn van carries a key cutting machine, key blanks and programming equipment. For supported vehicles, the technician cuts and programs keys at the vehicle and tests them before handover. Some keys need special ordering or dealer equipment, so not every job is finished on the first visit.
- Key cutting machine carried in each service van
- Key blanks and programming equipment on board
- Cutting, programming and testing at the vehicle
Seven details to have when you call
These details help us check the key system, confirm what service is possible and give you a useful price range. The VIN can also help confirm the correct key.
Vehicle year
Tell us the model year. Key and programming systems can change between generations of the same vehicle.
Make and model
Give us both so we can check which key equipment the vehicle needs.
Type of key
Describe it as a metal key, chip key, remote head key or push-button start fob, if you know.
Any working key
Tell us whether you have a key that still operates the car. It changes how a spare can be made.
All keys lost
If none of the original keys remain, say so. Making the first replacement involves different work.
Starting condition
Let us know whether the engine starts and whether the ignition or starting system is behaving normally.
Vehicle location
Give the address or parking location so dispatch can identify the appropriate service van.
Ownership checked before key work
Have your government photo ID and registration, title or insurance card ready. The vehicle document must show the same name as your ID. If the papers are locked inside, the technician checks them once the vehicle is open. Authorization is required before key work proceeds.
- Government-issued photo identification
- Registration, title or matching insurance card
- Ownership and authorization verified at the car
Mobile service or the dealership
The choice depends on your vehicle's year, make, model and key technology. Cairn checks these details by phone before sending anyone.
A mobile locksmith
Cairn brings key cutting and programming equipment to the parked vehicle when the model is supported.
- The technician comes to the car
- No tow needed for supported mobile key work
- Compatibility checked before dispatch
The dealership
Dealer service may be necessary when a vehicle's key system requires programming equipment unavailable to an independent locksmith.
- Dealer-only programming on some models
- Many European makes from 2015 onward need dealer programming
- We identify dealer-only cases during the call
Have your year, make and model checked by phone. If your vehicle needs dealer-only programming, Cairn tells you before sending anyone.
From the first call to a tested key
You know the expected service charge before dispatch and approve the complete written price after the technician inspects the vehicle.
Tell dispatch what happened
The dispatcher quotes the service call fee and a price range for the work you describe, then gives an estimated arrival window.
Meet and verify the technician
A uniformed technician arrives in a marked van, shows photo ID and a work card, and checks your identification and authority to request the work.
Inspect and approve the price
The technician checks the vehicle and writes the full charge on a tablet. You approve it before any cutting, programming or repair begins.
Complete and test the work
We test the completed key or repair with you and provide an itemized invoice showing the service call, labor and parts.
What determines the key service price
The $39 service call fee applies inside our service area and is separate from the price of key work. After inspecting the vehicle, the technician provides a written price for your approval before work begins.
Vehicle year and technology
The year, make, model and security electronics determine what cutting and programming equipment the job requires.
Key or fob type
A standard car key cut and programmed starts at $120. A smart key or proximity fob starts at $220, before parts.
Lost keys versus a spare
All keys lost costs more because a key must be originated by code or lock decoding and the vehicle's computer programmed from nothing. A spare is copied and added with a working key present.
Programming requirements
Some keys need electronic pairing with the vehicle. The required procedure depends on the car's system.
Where the vehicle is parked
The service address affects dispatch and travel. Boulder City carries an additional $25 travel charge.
Time of service
A $45 after-hours fee applies from 9 PM to 7 AM, on Sundays and major holidays.
Keys, fobs and repair parts
The replacement key, electronic fob or ignition components required are included as separate charges in the written price.
Fleet, motorcycle and spare keys
Not every automotive visit begins with a lost key. We also handle planned key work for businesses, motorcycle owners and drivers keeping a backup.
Fleet keys for businesses
We make replacement and spare keys for supported business fleet vehicles. Give us the vehicle details to confirm the work required.
Motorcycle key service
We make motorcycle keys for most models. Call with the make, model and year so we can quote the work.
$25 off a second car key
Save $25 on a second key or fob made at the same visit as the first. Expires December 31, 2026. One offer per job, not combined.
“I needed a spare transponder key for my car in Henderson. The technician came to the parking lot, cut and programmed it there, and had me test it before he left. The invoice listed the work and the key separately.”
James B.
Answers about car keys and fobs
A few things are worth checking before arranging automotive key work, especially when the original key is missing.
Call (702) 000-0000All questionsCan you make a car key if I have lost every key?
Yes, for supported vehicles. With all keys lost, the key must be originated by code or by decoding the lock, and the vehicle’s computer programmed from nothing. That is why it costs more than a spare made with a working key present.
Can you program a key fob for a push-button start car?
We program smart keys and proximity fobs for supported models. Tell us the year, make and model so we can check whether your vehicle requires dealership equipment.
Will a newly cut car key start my engine?
Not necessarily. Most cars built since the late 1990s have a transponder chip that must be recognized by the vehicle before the engine starts. We check whether cutting, electronic programming or both are needed.
Can you remove a broken key from my ignition?
We remove broken keys from vehicle ignitions and door locks. The technician inspects the cylinder first and determines whether extraction alone is sufficient or whether the ignition also needs repair.
Do I need to tow my car somewhere for a replacement key?
For a supported vehicle, our mobile equipment allows the key work to be done where the car is parked. If the model requires dealership-only programming, we explain that before arranging a visit.
What happens if my registration is locked in the car?
Have your government photo ID available when the technician arrives. If your registration or insurance papers are inside, the technician can check them once the vehicle is open, before proceeding with authorized key work.
Is there a warranty on a replacement car key?
Cairn provides a 90-day warranty on car keys and fobs we supply and program. Tell us what is happening with the key so we can review the issue and the work performed.
Get the right key made for your car
We serve drivers across the Las Vegas valley. Call for an urgent vehicle problem, or use the request form for planned key work. Requests receive a reply within one business day.