Last updated: February 2026
Most people think replacing a Chevy key means a trip to the dealership, a $400 bill, and a 3-day wait for the part to arrive. Here's what actually happens when you call Stuart Locksmiths: we come to you anywhere in Stuart, program your new key on-site, and you're back on the road in 30-45 minutes. Cost runs $75 to $350 depending on your model year and key type. No tow truck needed. No dealer markup.
We've handled chevy key replacement in Stuart, FL for everything from a 2003 Silverado with a basic transponder to a 2024 Equinox with a full smart key fob. If it's a Chevy, we can cut and program it. Same day, usually same hour.
The Problem: Why Chevy Keys Are Harder to Replace Than You Think
Chevrolet has used at least 6 different key technologies across its lineup in the past 20 years. A 1998 C/K pickup uses a basic metal blade. A 2012 Malibu needs a transponder chip programmed to the ECM. A 2019 Tahoe uses a proximity key that requires dealer-level programming equipment just to clone.
That's the part most people get wrong. They assume any locksmith can handle it or that the hardware store kiosk can duplicate it. Neither is true for anything post-2000. The physical cut is the easy part. The chip programming is where the job either works or doesn't.
Keys also fail in ways that aren't obvious. Dropped your key fob in the Saint Lucie River or left it on the boat all weekend? Internal corrosion kills the transponder chip even when the key still looks fine. The car won't start, but the key isn't visibly damaged. That trips people up constantly.
Chevy Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart
Prices depend on three things: your model year, the key type your vehicle uses, and whether you have a working spare to copy from. Here's a straight breakdown.
| Key Type | Typical Chevy Models | Stuart Locksmiths Price | Dealer Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Metal Key (no chip) | 1998 and older C/K, S-10 | $75-$95 | $50-$80 |
| Transponder Key | 2000-2012 Silverado, Malibu, Impala | $120-$185 | $200-$320 |
| Remote Head Key | 2010-2018 Tahoe, Traverse, Equinox | $175-$250 | $275-$450 |
| Smart Key / Proximity Fob | 2019-2024 Silverado, Equinox, Blazer | $250-$350 | $400-$600+ |
Dealer prices typically run 40-70% higher than a licensed mobile locksmith for the same programming job. (Source: ALOA Service Pricing Survey 2024)
Need a key fob replaced without the full key cut? We handle standalone fob programming too. See our Key Fob Programming & Replacement page for details on fob-only service.
Our Chevy Key Replacement Process
- Call us with your VIN and model year. Takes 2 minutes. We confirm we have the right blank in stock before we drive to you. No wasted trips.
- We come to your location in Stuart. Whether you're stranded at the Kmart plaza on US-1, at home in Rio, or stuck in a parking lot off Colorado Avenue, our average response time is 25 minutes.
- We verify your ownership. Driver's license and registration. Standard procedure, protects you as much as us.
- We cut the key blade. Our mobile unit carries a Ilco key-cutting machine. We cut to the factory spec using your VIN, not a worn spare that could throw the cut off.
- We program the transponder or smart key. We use OBD-II compatible professional programming software to sync the new key to your Chevy's ECM. You test it, it starts, we're done. Usually 30-45 minutes total from arrival.
Chevy Models We Service in Stuart, FL
Short answer: all of them. Long answer:
- Silverado 1500, 2500HD, 3500HD (1998-2024)
- Equinox (2005-2024)
- Malibu (2000-2024)
- Tahoe and Suburban (1999-2024)
- Traverse (2009-2024)
- Colorado (2004-2024)
- Blazer (2019-2024)
- Trax and Trailblazer (2013-2024)
- Camaro and Corvette (2000-2024)
- Express Van (1996-2024)
High mileage work trucks are common calls for us here in Martin County. Contractors running Silverados between Stuart and Port St. Lucie lose or damage keys constantly. We stock the most common Silverado blanks for exactly that reason.
Also handle GMC, which shares the same key platform as Chevy. Our GMC Key Replacement page covers that if your vehicle is a Sierra, Yukon, or Canyon.
Chevy Key Loss vs. Theft: What the Data Says
| Situation | Recommended Action | Time to Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Lost key, have a spare | Replace lost key, rekey if theft is possible | 30-45 min |
| Lost key, no spare | New key cut and programmed from VIN | 30-60 min |
| Stolen key or vehicle theft attempt | New key + ignition repin or replacement | 60-120 min |
| Key broken in ignition | Extraction + new key cut | 45-75 min |
Vehicle theft in Martin County increased 18% between 2022 and 2024, with relay theft attacks on keyless entry vehicles rising fastest. (Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report 2024) If your key fob was stolen, a replacement key alone isn't always enough. Ask us about Transponder Key Programming and whether reprogramming the existing locks makes sense for your situation.
Why Choose Stuart Locksmiths for Chevy Key Replacement
We're licensed, insured, and based right here in Stuart. Not a call center routing jobs to rotating contractors.
- Over 290 Chevrolet key jobs completed in Martin County since 2019
- 25-minute average response time across Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and surrounding areas
- Professional OBD-II programming equipment, not aftermarket cloners that fail on newer Chevy models
- Flat pricing, quoted before we arrive. No surprise fees when the job is done
- All technicians hold Florida locksmith licenses as required under Florida Statute 489.501
- We carry the most common Chevy blanks in stock. No "we'll have to order it" situations
Locked out right now and need help immediately? Our Car Lockout Service runs 24/7. We can open your Chevy first, then cut the replacement key on the spot.
Also serve customers in Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Hobe Sound for Chevy key jobs with the same response times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a Chevy key without the original?
Yes. We cut new Chevy keys from the VIN using factory spec data. You don't need a working spare. This is exactly what we do when someone has lost both keys to a Silverado or Tahoe.
How much does Chevy key replacement cost in Stuart, FL?
Between $75 and $350 depending on your model year and key type. Basic transponder keys for older Malibus and Impalas run $120-$185. Smart keys for 2019 and newer models run $250-$350. We quote exact pricing before we arrive.
How long does it take to get a new Chevy key made?
30-45 minutes from when we arrive on-site. Add our 25-minute average drive time from dispatch and most jobs in Stuart are wrapped up in under 75 minutes from your first call.
Is it cheaper to go to the Chevy dealership or call a locksmith?
A locksmith is typically 40-70% cheaper for the same work on most models. Dealers also often require you to tow the vehicle in, which adds $75-$150 to your total. We come to you.
Do you program Chevy smart keys and push-button start fobs?
Yes. We use professional OBD-II programming software that handles proximity keys on 2019 and newer Chevy models, including the Silverado, Equinox, and Blazer. This is the same technology dealers use.
My Chevy key fob buttons work but the car won't start. What's wrong?
The transponder chip inside the fob has likely failed. This is common after water exposure, dropping on hard surfaces, or just age. The remote functions run on a separate battery from the immobilizer chip. We can test and replace the chip or the entire key.
Can you make a spare Chevy key if I still have my original?
Absolutely, and you should. Having a spare cut costs the same whether you have the original or not, and avoiding a future lockout is worth it. We can program up to 8 keys to most modern Chevys.
What if my Chevy key broke off in the ignition?
We extract broken keys first, then cut and program a replacement. Don't try to pull it with pliers or you risk pushing the broken piece deeper. Our Broken Key Extraction service handles this as a combined job.
Do you service older Chevy trucks with no transponder chip?
Yes. Pre-2000 Chevy trucks and vans use standard metal keys with no programming required. Those jobs are fast and cost $75-$95. We still come to you, cut it on-site, and you're done.
Can you replace Chevy keys in Jensen Beach or Palm City too?
Yes. We serve all of Martin County. Jensen Beach and Palm City are regular service areas with the same response times and pricing as Stuart.
Will my Chevy need to be towed to get a new key made?
No. We come to your