Car Key and Lockout Questions, Answered
Short, honest answers to what Louisville drivers ask most. Each one links to the full guide if you want more. For home, business and safe questions too, see the Louisville lock and key answers.
Latest Answers
- Safety
How Do I Keep My Car From Being Broken Into in Louisville?
Louisville car break-ins surged in summer 2026 and trucks with guns were the target. What LMPD data shows, when thieves hit, and what to take out tonight. - Home
Should I Rekey or Replace My Locks After Buying a House?
Just bought a house? Rekey the locks the first week, replace only worn or cheap ones, and reset the garage opener and keypad codes. Costs and steps. - Keys
How Do I Open a Frozen Car Door or Lock?
Car door or lock frozen shut? Try another door, use de-icer or a drop of hand sanitizer on the key, and push before you pull. What AAA says never to do. - Safes
How Do I Open My Gun Safe If I Forgot the Combination?
Locked out of your gun safe? Wait out the wrong-code lockout, try fresh alkaline batteries, then get the code from the maker with proof you own it. - Home
Can a Landlord Change the Locks in Kentucky?
Kentucky landlords cannot lock out a tenant who still lives there. What Louisville law allows, what a lockout costs the landlord, and when you can rekey.
Questions People Ask
What should I do first if I lock my keys in the car?
Check every door, try your car's phone app, and call any roadside plan you have. Then call a vetted locksmith. Full steps in our lockout guide.
How much does it cost to replace a car key?
Roughly $10 to $40 for a plain key, $70 to $300 for a chip key, and $180 to $550 or more for a push-start fob. Some European cars cost more. See the cost table.
Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealer?
Usually, and they come to you. Some newer German, Swedish and British cars are dealer-only. Check your make.
Can a locksmith make a key if I lost all of them?
For most cars, yes. They cut a key by code or by decoding the lock, then program it. It costs more than a spare.
What do I need to show a locksmith?
A photo ID and the registration or title in the same name. Bring the VIN and any keys you still have.
Does Kentucky license locksmiths?
No. A 2015 bill, House Bill 502, would have created a license but did not pass. See how to vet a locksmith.
My key fob stopped working. Do I need a new one?
Try a new coin battery first. If the car still will not start, hold the fob against the start button. Read key types for more.
Can I program a car key myself?
On some older Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, GM and Chrysler models, yes, if you already have two working keys. Most newer cars need a tool.
Will my old keys still work after a new key is made?
Some cars keep old keys, others erase the list. If a key was stolen, ask the tech to erase it.
Can a locksmith help with a rental car?
Not for keys. Call the rental company's roadside line. A locksmith cannot make keys for a car you do not own.
Are you a locksmith?
No. We are an independent guide. If you ask for a quote, we pass your request to an independent locksmith who serves your area. We are not connected to the former Colgate's Locksmith.