The cost mainly comes down to the type of key your vehicle uses. Older vehicles usually don't have a transponder chip, so those keys tend to be the cheapest to replace. In the early-to-mid 2000s, manufacturers started adding transponder chips for security, and those require programming — which means specialized equipment and a bit more cost. From there, remote head keys became popular, combining the remote and the key into one piece, pushing the price up further.

Where it gets trickier is with today's push-to-start vehicles. These fobs cost more to replace, and the equipment needed to program them into the vehicle adds to the price as well.

The bottom line: give us a call with your vehicle's year, make, model, and location, and we'll get you the best price possible.

Yes, in most cases. Tiger's Locksmith handles both all-keys-lost situations (no working key at all) and adding a spare (when you still have one working key) equally well, and we keep up with programming for most makes and models — including new 2026 model vehicles.

That said, some manufacturers are making it more difficult on certain brand-new vehicles. This can come down to restricted security software, equipment that's normally limited to dealerships, or requirements for online verification before a new key can be paired to the car. Louisiana is a right-to-repair state, which helps keep independent locksmiths like us in the mix — but it doesn't mean every manufacturer makes it easy.

The bottom line: give us a call with your vehicle's year, make, and model, and we can tell you quickly whether we can get you a new fob programmed and working the same day.

Times vary depending on your location, key type, availability, and available time slots. Most times, if we can't perform same-day service, the following day is normally possible.

According to IBISWorld, the U.S. was home to 28,498 locksmiths as of 2024, but not all automotive locksmiths in this growing industry offer the same quality of services that we do. Contact us today to get started with the auto locksmith Baton Rouge, LA residents swear by.

A locksmith is typically cheaper than the dealership. Part of that comes down to avoidable costs — if you've lost your keys, you will need a tow truck to get your vehicle to the dealership, which is an expense on top of what they already charge you.

Where it gets trickier is factoring in time, not just price. Tiger's Locksmith can normally come to you the same day and get you back on the road, whereas your vehicle could sit at the dealership for two or three days.

The bottom line: most of us don't have the luxury of being without a vehicle that long — a locksmith usually saves you both money and downtime.