What to Do If You Lost All Your Car Keys in Charleston, SC
- #car keys
- #lost keys
- #charleston
Last week on James Island, a nurse finished a 12-hour shift and realized her only key fob was gone. No spare. No towing budget. Within 45 minutes she was back on the road because she followed the plan below. You can too.
Step 1: Take a breath & check the usual suspects
Bags, jacket pockets, mailbox shelf, stroller basket, under the driver seat. It sounds obvious, but this rescues about 1 in 10 “lost key” calls we see in Charleston, SC.
Step 2: Call a mobile automotive locksmith
Dealers often need towing and take days. A mobile pro comes to you, cuts & programs on-site — usually the same day. We can also erase missing keys from the car so they no longer start it.
What the locksmith will need
- Make / model / year
- VIN (windshield lower-left or driver door jamb)
- Photo ID + registration/title (proof of ownership)
How long does it take?
Most replacements take 30–60 minutes. Traditional keys are quickest; transponder keys and push-to-start fobs include programming time. If all keys are lost, expect an extra security step (erasing old keys).
Typical prices in Charleston, SC
- Traditional keys: starting at around $90
- Transponder keys: starting at around $160
- Push-to-start fobs: starting at around $220
Exact cost depends on make/model, key availability, and whether all keys are lost.
Security tip
If your keys were stolen, ask us to delete the missing keys from the system so they can’t start your car. We’ll program your new keys and confirm only the new ones work.
Why mobile beats the dealer (most of the time)
- No tow truck needed — we come to you anywhere in Charleston, SC.
- Same-day help in many cases.
- Upfront pricing before we start.
Want details on models we cover? See our car key replacement service.