Lost your car key? Here's what to do:
- Still have one working key? A replacement is from $160 — and if every key is gone I can still make one from scratch, from $200.
- Have your vehicle registration and a matching photo ID ready.
- Text a photo of your key or VIN on WhatsApp for an exact price — I usually reply within a few minutes between 8 AM and 9 PM; messages sent overnight get an answer from 8 AM.
Still have one key? Your replacement is a duplicate — from $160
Most lost-key calls are the same story: one key went missing and the spare is still in a drawer at home. With a working key to read, I cut and program the replacement right where you are — at home, at work, in a parking lot, or on the roadside. No dealership trip and no tow truck. I handle keys, fobs and transponder (chip) keys for most makes and models, older cars included.
Lost every key? That’s a different job — from $200
If every key is gone, there is nothing left to copy: I make a brand-new key from scratch and program it to your car, usually in 30–60 minutes at the car. That is a bigger job and it has its own page: all keys lost.
You deal directly with me, Andy — I do the job myself, on-site.Andy — owner, Gaucho Keys, Winnipeg
How it works
- Message, texttext or call. Send the year, make and model — a photo of the key helps.
- I text you the all-in price before I drive out — that number does not change at your car — and we pick a time that suits you.
- I come to you and cut & program your new key on-site, usually in 20–50 minutes (30–60 for a push-to-start smart key, or if every key is gone).
What to bring
Before any work, I always check your vehicle registration and a matching photo ID. It's a standard part of how I work — to confirm the vehicle is yours and keep everything above board.
It also helps to have your VIN ready (why I ask). You'll find it on the dashboard where it meets the windshield, on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb, or on your registration and insurance — it lets me bring the exact key for your vehicle.
From $160 for a replacement key when you still have one that works.
Smart / push-to-start keys from $170. If every key is gone I have to make one from scratch — that is from $200. Taxes in, price confirmed before I come out. See what changes the price of a car key.
You pay only once the new key works — and the price is agreed before I start. I accept Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Interac e-Transfer or cash, paid right at your car. Every price includes the key, the cutting and the programming — no hidden extras.
1-year warranty on my work · No call-out fee — you pay only for the result.
“I lost one of my car keys and only had one left, so I was really stressed. Andrew handled everything perfectly - he cut and programmed a new key for my Honda Civic in just about 10-15 minutes.”
— Yashasvi
🔑 Grab a spare while I’m there. Losing your only key is stressful — a spare means it never strands you again. Your second key is half price when I cut it at the same visit.
North American, Japanese and Korean vehicles, plus Jaguar and Land Rover. Not German makes or Volvo — ask and I’ll tell you yes or no before you wait.
Where I serve
All of Winnipeg and the surrounding region — including Selkirk, Lockport, St. Andrews, West St. Paul, Headingley, Stony Mountain, Oakbank and Niverville. Other towns I drive out to include Stonewall, Beausejour and Dugald. There is no trip fee in Winnipeg; for towns outside the city a travel fee is folded into the all-in price I quote up front, so there are no surprises when I arrive. Open 8 AM–9 PM, 7 days a week.
Real jobs, up close
A few keys I’ve cut and programmed on-site in and around Winnipeg — real cars, real work.
Professional key-cutting gear, brought to you
Programming a brand-new key for a Nissan
Cutting a fresh key on my own machine
New Nissan smart key programmed on-site
A new Hyundai smart key, made at the car
A spare Toyota smart key, cut & programmed
Frequently asked questions
- Do you come to me, or do I bring the car to you?
- I come to you. As a mobile auto locksmith I cut and program your new key on-site anywhere in Winnipeg and the surrounding area, so there is no need to tow the car.
- Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealership for a lost key?
- Usually, yes. A dealer often costs more, may need the car towed in, and can take several days to order and program a key. I come to you, do it on-site, and you pay only once the new key works.
- I lost one key but still have another — can you make a replacement?
- Yes. Even with no working key, I can generate and program a brand-new key from scratch on-site for most makes and models, older cars included.
- What do I need to provide when a key is lost?
- Have your registration and a matching photo ID at the car. Checking them is the first thing I do on every lost-key job, before any cutting or programming, so a new key only ever goes to the vehicle’s owner.
- How long does it take?
- In most cases a new car key is cut and programmed on-site in 20 to 50 minutes while you still have a working key, or 30 to 60 minutes for a push-to-start smart key or when every key is gone, depending on your vehicle.
- How much does a lost car key cost to replace?
- A replacement key starts from $160 when you still have a working key, and from $200 when every key is gone. You get the price up front and pay only once the new key works.
Other services
- Mobile car locksmith in Winnipeg — I come to you
- Spare & duplicate car keys in Winnipeg
- Car lockout service in Winnipeg
- Key fob & remote programming in Winnipeg
- All keys lost — a key from scratch
- Car key cutting in Winnipeg
Key pages by model: GMC Sierra · Chevrolet Silverado · Jeep Wrangler · Ram 1500 · Nissan Rogue · Nissan Kicks · Toyota Highlander · Mazda CX-5
Locked out of options? I've got the key.
Mobile auto locksmith serving Winnipeg & nearby — 7 days a week.
Save my number to your phone — so it is there next time.