How much trouble it is can vary from make/model.

Some cars, if you have the original chipped keys, you can buy un-programed ones and do it yourself. I've done this few times with older Mercury's. Saved lots of money.

Then you take the key to the hardware store and have them cut it. They may balk at that at first, but tell them you just need it to open the door when you lock your keys in the car.



People will say be sure to call a reputable locksmith with a store front. Not some fly by night scammer who works out of a van. Store front locksmith's especially will tell you this. My experience is there's just different degrees of criminals in that business. (lock/door stuff can be obscenely expensive) The locksmith field in my experience is made up of a lot of arrogant assholes. lol Ones that don't like anyone else making money but them. I worked as an institutional "locksmith" for a bunch of years and was turned off by almost everyone I encountered in the trade, from locksmiths to vendors/suppliers.