Mobile Car Locksmith Melbourne — Keys, Lockouts, Programming and Lock Work
Budget Auto Keys is a mobile car locksmith working across Melbourne. We only do cars — no houses, no shopfronts — and we come to the vehicle, so there’s no tow and no dealer visit. Car keys start at $169 for a key without a remote, and you get a fixed price before we come out. Open seven days, 6:00 to 22:00.
| Service | Fully mobile automotive locksmith — we come to the car |
| Area | Melbourne metro — see the areas we service |
| Keys from | $169 incl. GST |
| Covers | Spare keys, lost keys, remotes, key and module programming, lockouts, door locks and ignition barrels |
| Customers | Private owners, car dealers and mechanical workshops |
| Hours | 7 days, 6:00am – 10:00pm |
Book your car key job
Get your price, then pick a day we're already in your area.
What does a car locksmith actually do?
An automotive locksmith handles everything between you and a car that opens and starts: the key blade, the transponder chip inside it, the remote, the immobiliser that has to recognise the key, and the locks themselves. A general locksmith mostly works on buildings. We’ve been in the key trade since 1996 and have run Budget Auto Keys since 2018 — these days it’s cars and nothing else.
Car key replacement and spare keys
This is most of what we do. Spare keys while your original still works, replacements for lost or broken keys, remotes, flip keys and smart keys — cut and programmed at the car, usually inside an hour for a spare. Pricing depends on make, model and year; the car key replacement cost guide shows what real jobs have come to.
All keys lost
No key at all? We can still make one at the vehicle. It takes longer than a spare — longer again on European cars — and it’s priced per vehicle, confirmed with you before we drive out.
Key and remote programming
Transponder and immobiliser programming, remote pairing, and diagnosing a key that turns but won’t start the car — usually a worn transponder or a remote fault rather than the lock.
Module programming and replacement
Sometimes the fault isn’t the key — it’s the module the key talks to. We program and replace the immobiliser and control modules involved in starting and locking the car, and match a replacement module to the vehicle and its keys so everything recognises each other again. If a workshop or dealer has told you a module needs replacing, call us for a price first.
Car lockouts
Keys locked in the car or the boot? Call 0421 113 736. We open the car without damage and quote the price on the phone before we head out. We’re a one-van business working booked runs, so we’ll tell you honestly how soon we can get there.
Door locks and ignition barrels
Worn, jammed or damaged door locks and ignition barrels can be repaired or replaced and matched to your key. This is booked work rather than an emergency call-out — allow one to three days from booking to finished job.
Why is a mobile car locksmith cheaper than the dealer?
A dealer orders the key in, books the car into the workshop, and if you’ve lost every key you pay for a tow as well. We carry the keys and the programming equipment in the van and do the job where the car is parked. No workshop, no front desk, no tow — that’s where the saving comes from.
Trade work for car dealers and workshops
We don’t only work for private owners. A broad range of Melbourne car dealers and mechanical workshops use us for the key and immobiliser jobs they’d otherwise send away — spare keys for stock going on the lot, all-keys-lost cars, trade-ins that arrive with one key, and module programming after a repair. We come to the yard or the workshop, so the car doesn’t have to move. Trade enquiries: 0421 113 736.
Makes we work on
Most makes on Melbourne roads, including Toyota, Ford, Holden, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW and Subaru. The full list is on the car brands page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a car locksmith cost in Melbourne?
A key without a remote starts at $169 including GST. Remote and smart keys vary by make, model and year — the tool above gives your exact price in about a minute. Lockouts and lock work are quoted on the phone before we come out.
Do you come to me?
Yes. Home, work, shopping centre car park or roadside — anywhere the car can be safely accessed. Put your suburb into the tool above and it shows the days we’re in your area.
Are you a 24-hour emergency locksmith?
No. We work seven days from 6:00am to 10:00pm. Most key jobs are booked onto a run in your area; for a lockout, call and we’ll tell you straight whether we can get to you in time.
Do you do house or business locks?
No — cars only. That’s why the van carries car keys, remotes and programming gear rather than door hardware. For home and business locks we recommend SB Locksmith.
What do you need from me on the day?
Proof you own the car — registration papers or a licence matching the address — and access to the vehicle.
Book a car locksmith in Melbourne
Use the tool above for your exact price and to pick a day, or call 0421 113 736. Rated 4.9 from 200+ Google reviews.