What a car-key quote should include
Short answer
A useful car-key quote describes the replacement you'll receive and the total you're being asked to pay. Check the key or fob, cutting, programming, testing, travel and GST. Ask what could cost extra if the car needs different work after inspection.
Describe the car and the job
Tell the provider the make, model and year, whether you have a working key, and whether the car uses a turning key, remote buttons or push-button start. Say whether you need a spare, have lost all keys or are locked out. These are different services.
What to check in the quote
Item | What to ask |
|---|---|
Part | Is it a complete working coded key, a remote or proximity fob, or only a shell or blade? Is the part genuine, alternative or supplied by you? |
Cutting | Is cutting a blade included if your key needs one? |
Programming | Does the amount include getting the car to recognise the key for starting, and the remote functions where relevant? |
Testing | Will the provider confirm the finished key unlocks and starts the car, and that any required buttons work? |
Attendance | Is this a workshop or mobile price? What travel, towing, return visits or after-hours charges are separate? |
GST and payment | Is GST included? How long is the quote valid? Is there a deposit, minimum attendance fee or cancellation charge? If a technician attends but cannot complete the work, what fee would apply? Ask when each charge applies. |
Changes | Will the provider explain and price additional work before it starts? What if the key cannot be programmed? |
Warranty | What happens if the replacement stops working, particularly if you've supplied the part? Ask for the terms in writing. |
Is it a quote, estimate or starting price?
A provider may advertise prices 'from' an amount without accounting for your exact car, part or travel. Ask whether you're getting a firm quote, an estimate or a figure that could change after inspection. Request the conditions in writing rather than assuming an advertised minimum is a finished-job total.
A message you can copy
Replace bracketed placeholders before sending.
I need a [spare/all-keys-lost replacement] for a [make, model, year]. I [have one working key/have none]. Can you give me the written total for the part, cutting, programming, testing, attendance and GST? Please explain any conditional charges and ask me before doing extra work.
For help preparing an enquiry, use the Quote-Request Builder. Once you have written offers, the Fee Comparison Worksheet can help you check what's included and what remains unknown. The copyable message above also works on its own.
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
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- 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?
- 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