The phone call that starts this post: “I’ve lost every key to my car. The dealer said I need to tow it in and it will be $1,200 minimum. Is there another way?” Yes — and this guide explains exactly how it works, what it costs, and why you almost never need that tow.
What is “all-keys-lost”?
All-keys-lost — locksmiths call it AKL — is when you have no working key for your vehicle. Lost, stolen, broken, accidentally tossed. The car will not start because the immobilizer has no recognized transponder to authenticate. Just buying a new key and trying it does not work; the car’s computer needs to be told the new key is allowed.
The AKL service does three things:
- Cuts a new mechanical key blade from your VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Reads the immobilizer module to extract the pin code that authorizes new keys
- Programs the new key into the car’s computer so it starts and operates door locks
What does AKL cost in 2026?
| Vehicle type | Locksmith (us) | Dealer (average) |
|---|---|---|
| Honda / Toyota / Mazda / Ford (standard) | $299-349 | $700-1,200 |
| Hyundai / Kia / Nissan | $299-379 | $700-1,100 |
| Chevy / GMC / Cadillac | $349-449 | $800-1,300 |
| VW / Audi | $399-499 | $1,000-1,500 |
| BMW / Mercedes (≤2014) / Lexus | $449-549 | $1,200-2,000 |
| Range Rover / Porsche | $499-649 | $1,500-2,500 |
Dealer prices include a $300+ tow that we do not charge for. We come to your car. The dealer requires you to tow your car to them.
Do I really not need a tow?
Correct — for 95% of vehicles. We arrive with the same diagnostic equipment as the dealer (Autel IM508, Lonsdor K518, Yanhua Mini ACDP). The car only needs the immobilizer module powered, and we work with the car battery to provide that.
The exceptions where a tow is genuinely needed:
- Vehicle is parked underground with no cell signal (we sometimes need data connection)
- Vehicle’s battery is fully dead (we can charge it on-site for $20-40 if needed)
- Specific Mercedes 2015+ FBS4 models — dealer-only
How long does AKL take?
- Standard brands (Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc.) — 60-90 minutes
- Restricted brands (BMW G-chassis, Range Rover UWB, Mercedes FBS3) — 90-180 minutes due to seed-code retrieval
- Older vehicles (pre-2015 turn-key transponder) — 45-60 minutes
What does the locksmith need from you?
- Vehicle ownership/registration (to verify you own it)
- Photo ID
- VIN number — usually on dashboard at base of windshield
- Access to the vehicle’s interior
How can I avoid AKL in the future?
Always have a spare key. Once you go through AKL once, getting a spare programmed costs $150-250 and takes 30 minutes. Cheap insurance against next time.
Other prevention:
- Use a key-finder tag (Tile, AirTag) on your keyring
- Keep the spare with someone you trust, not in your car
- For valuable cars: consider Ghost-II anti-theft installation — it requires a custom PIN to start the engine even with the working key, so a key thief cannot drive away
Lost all your keys right now?
Call us — we will quote your exact price on the phone before dispatching. 30-minute average ETA across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Scarborough, East Toronto.
📞 Call (416) 676-9142Frequently asked questions
How fast can you get to me?
30 minutes average ETA across Durham and east Toronto. 45-60 minutes for outer GTA.
Will I get a single key or a pair?
Standard AKL service includes one working key. We strongly recommend programming a second spare key for $120-180 extra during the same visit — much cheaper than going through AKL twice.
Will my car be damaged?
No. We do not need to drill, force, or break anything for 99% of jobs. We use the same software tools the dealer uses, just at a fraction of the price.
Are you bonded and insured?
Yes — fully bonded, insured, and NASTF VSP-certified for restricted brands. 90-day warranty on every job.
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