Question 1

How much does car key replacement cost in DFW?

Accepted Answer

Car key replacement in Dallas-Fort Worth ranges from $80 for a basic metal key to $450 for a proximity smart key. The average DFW driver pays $180-$220 for a standard transponder or remote head key. Luxury vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) range from $300-$600. We confirm your exact price from your year, make, and model before dispatch — no surprise charges.

Question 2

Is there a service call fee?

Accepted Answer

Most DFW mobile locksmiths charge a $35-$75 service call fee on top of the key cost. At 911 Locksmith and Security, we waive the service call fee if you proceed with the key replacement. Always ask upfront whether the service call fee is waived with service.

Question 3

Do you charge more for after-hours or holiday calls?

Accepted Answer

Some locksmiths add a $25-$50 surcharge for calls between 10 PM and 6 AM or on holidays. We don't — our pricing is the same 24/7/365. A key replacement at 2 AM costs the same as one at 2 PM.

Question 4

How much does emergency lockout service cost?

Accepted Answer

Lockout service in DFW typically costs $75-$150. This covers the technician coming to your location and unlocking your car using professional tools (air wedge + long-reach tool). No damage to your vehicle. If you've also lost your keys entirely, you'll need key replacement on top of the lockout fee.

Question 5

Does insurance cover car key replacement?

Accepted Answer

Some comprehensive auto insurance policies cover key replacement, but most don't. Roadside assistance plans (AAA, insurance add-ons) sometimes cover lockout service but rarely cover full key replacement. Check with your insurer. If your key was stolen, comprehensive coverage is more likely to apply.

Question 6

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

We offer discounts for seniors, military veterans, and first responders. We also offer a returning customer discount — if you've used us before, you get $20 off your next service. Mention it when you call.

Question 7

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Zelle. Payment is collected after the service is complete — you see the working key before you pay.

Question 8

How fast can a locksmith get to me in DFW?

Accepted Answer

Our average response time across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is 18 minutes. From our Grand Prairie dispatch HQ, we reach Grand Prairie in 12 minutes, Arlington in 15, Irving in 14, Dallas in 20, and Fort Worth in 25. Outlying cities (Denton, McKinney, Rockwall) take 25-30 minutes.

Question 9

Are you really available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 911 Locksmith and Security operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — including holidays. We answer the phone directly at any hour. There's no voicemail, no 'call back during business hours' message. A real person picks up every time.

Question 10

How long does it take to make a replacement key on-site?

Accepted Answer

Once our mobile rig arrives, most key replacements take 15-25 minutes. Smart key / proximity fob programming takes 20-30 minutes. Ignition repair or replacement takes 30-60 minutes. Total time including dispatch is usually 30-45 minutes from your call to driving away.

Question 11

Do you work on holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're open every day of the year — Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's, Fourth of July. Lockouts don't take holidays off, and neither do we. Same pricing on holidays as any other day.

Question 12

What if I'm stuck on the highway?

Accepted Answer

We serve highway locations across DFW. If you're locked out or broken down on I-30, I-35, I-20, LBJ, or any DFW highway, tell us your nearest exit or mile marker. Our mobile rigs are equipped to work safely on highway shoulders. If you feel unsafe, stay in your car or behind the guard rail and call us immediately.

Question 13

Can you give me an ETA before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. When you call, we'll tell you the exact ETA and the exact price before we dispatch a rig. No commitment required until you say 'go.' If the ETA doesn't work for you, no charge.

Question 14

What types of vehicles do you make keys for?

Accepted Answer

We make keys for virtually all consumer vehicles — cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. This includes domestic (Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, GMC), Asian (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Mazda), and European (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti) brands.

Question 15

Can you make keys for luxury vehicles like BMW and Mercedes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry dealer-level programming equipment (BMW ISTA, Mercedes XENTRY) and OEM-specific key blanks for luxury brands. Smart key replacement for BMW, Mercedes, and Audi costs $300-$600. We program comfort access, CAS modules, and all key types on-site.

Question 16

Do you make keys for motorcycles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We make keys for most motorcycle brands including Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and BMW motorcycles. Motorcycle keys are typically $100-$200 depending on whether they have a transponder chip.

Question 17

Can you make keys for commercial vehicles and trucks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We make keys for light commercial vehicles, delivery trucks, and fleet vehicles. For heavy-duty commercial trucks (semi-trucks), call us to confirm — we handle most but not all commercial truck key systems.

Question 18

Do you work on classic or vintage cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Classic and vintage cars typically use basic metal keys, which we can cut from the key code or by decoding the ignition. Some classic cars have unique lock cylinders — call us with your year, make, and model to confirm.

Question 19

Can you make a key for a car with a push-button start?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Push-button start vehicles use a smart key / proximity fob. We program new smart fobs on-site using dealer-level diagnostic equipment. We also erase lost fobs from the car's memory so they can never be used to start your car.

Question 20

What about Tesla keys?

Accepted Answer

Tesla uses a key card or a fob (on older models). We can replace Tesla fobs ($200-$400) and program them to your vehicle. Tesla key cards can be ordered directly from Tesla and activated through the app — no locksmith needed for those.

Question 21

What areas do you serve in DFW?

Accepted Answer

We serve 20+ cities across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex: Grand Prairie (our home base), Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, Irving, Denton, McKinney, Garland, Richardson, Carrollton, Lewisville, Mesquite, Allen, Grapevine, Bedford, Southlake, Flower Mound, and Rockwall. If you're in the DFW metroplex, we'll reach you.

Question 22

Where is 911 Locksmith and Security based?

Accepted Answer

Our dispatch HQ is at 120 W Main St, Suite 200, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. Grand Prairie sits at the geographic center of the DFW metroplex, which lets us reach any city in the metro area within 30 minutes.

Question 23

Do you serve areas outside of DFW?

Accepted Answer

Our primary service area is the DFW metroplex. For calls outside the metro (Waco, Sherman, Corsicana, etc.), call us — we may be able to help or refer you to a trusted partner in that area.

Question 24

How long does it take to reach my specific city?

Accepted Answer

Response times vary by city: Grand Prairie 12 min, Arlington 15 min, Irving 14 min, Dallas 20 min, Fort Worth 25 min, Plano/Frisco 25-30 min, Denton 30 min, McKinney 30 min. These are averages — traffic and your exact location can affect them.

Question 25

Do you charge more for farther locations?

Accepted Answer

We don't charge extra for any location within our 20-city DFW service area. If you're outside our standard area, we'll tell you if there's an additional travel fee before we dispatch — never a surprise.

Question 26

What's the difference between a transponder key and a smart key?

Accepted Answer

A transponder key has a chip embedded in the key head — you insert it into the ignition like a normal key, and the chip communicates with the car's immobilizer. A smart key (proximity fob) stays in your pocket — the car detects its presence and you push a button to start. Smart keys cost more to replace ($200-$450) because the hardware is more sophisticated.

Question 27

How do I know what type of key my car uses?

Accepted Answer

If you insert a key into the ignition to start the car, you have a transponder key (or a basic metal key if pre-1995). If you push a button to start and keep the fob in your pocket, you have a smart key / proximity fob. If your key has buttons on it, it's a remote head key (transponder + remote).

Question 28

Can you program a key I bought online?

Accepted Answer

We can, but we don't recommend it. Many fobs sold online are used, refurbished, or aftermarket and may not program to your car. We use OEM or OEM-equivalent blanks that are guaranteed to work. If you bring your own fob, we charge a programming fee and can't guarantee the hardware. If it doesn't work, you still pay the programming fee.

Question 29

What is a sidewinder or laser-cut key?

Accepted Answer

A sidewinder key (also called a laser cut key) has cuts on the side of the key blade rather than the top. These are more secure and harder to duplicate. They require specialized cutting equipment. Most modern vehicles (especially European and luxury) use sidewinder keys. We carry sidewinder cutting equipment on every rig.

Question 30

Can you erase a lost key from my car's memory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For transponder and smart keys, we can erase all lost keys from your car's computer during the programming process. The lost key's chip will be rejected by the immobilizer — even if someone finds it, it can never start your car again. This is included in our key replacement service.

Question 31

Do you make spare keys?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. A spare key costs $80-$150 — a fraction of what you'd pay for an emergency replacement. We can make a spare at the same time as your main replacement, or you can call us anytime to get a spare made.

Question 32

What do I need to have ready when I call?

Accepted Answer

Have this info ready: (1) Year, make, and model of your vehicle, (2) Your VIN (on your registration or dashboard), (3) Your location — address, parking lot name, or intersection, (4) Proof of ownership — registration or insurance card, (5) A photo ID. Having this ready speeds everything up.

Question 33

Do you require proof of ownership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require a vehicle registration, insurance card, or title matching your photo ID. This is required by Texas law and protects you — we won't make a key for someone who can't prove the car is theirs. If someone doesn't ask for this, that's a red flag.

Question 34

What happens when the locksmith arrives?

Accepted Answer

We verify your ID and registration, confirm the price, then get to work. For key replacement: we cut the key, program the chip, and test it. For lockout: we use an air wedge and long-reach tool to unlock your car (no damage). For ignition work: we repair or replace the cylinder on-site. You pay after the service is complete and you've confirmed everything works.

Question 35

Can you do the work in my parking lot or driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our mobile rigs are fully equipped workshops on wheels — key cutting machines, diagnostic tools, programming equipment, and parts inventory. We do the work wherever your car is parked. No tow, no shop visit, no waiting room.

Question 36

What if it's raining or bad weather?

Accepted Answer

We work in all weather — our rigs have canopies and we're used to DFW heat, rain, and everything in between. If it's severe weather (tornado warning, flooding), we may delay for safety, but we'll communicate that with you.

Question 37

Do you provide a warranty on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All key replacements come with a 90-day warranty — if the key stops working due to a programming or hardware issue, we fix it free. Physical damage (you broke the key, dropped it in water, etc.) isn't covered, but we can replace it at a discounted rate.

Question 38

Can I get a receipt for insurance or reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a detailed receipt with the service description, parts, labor, and total cost. We can email it or print it on-site. If you need a specific format for insurance reimbursement, let us know.

Everything You Want To Know

Pricing & Cost

Response Time & Availability

Vehicle Types & Compatibility

Service Areas

Key Types & Technology

Process & What to Expect

Still Have Questions?