Expert Locksmiths Answer Your Questions

Why Should I Hire A Licensed, Professional Locksmith?

Many individuals think they can cut costs by hiring a locksmith with few reputable credentials. After all, how difficult could it be to change a lock? Yet whether it’s the front door or your house, an interior door that you rarely use or a new car key, hiring a licensed, professional locksmith is more important than many think.

For starters, California law requires that all locksmiths are licensed and certified through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. This law was enacted to ensure that ALL locksmiths in California met a certain standard of workmanship and to ensure that security and safety was to the highest standard. After all, a lock is the only thing standing between your home and office and a burglar outside, so ensuring the highest degree of workmanship is crucial for your safety.

Second, during the licensing process for all locksmiths, the State of California, the FBI and the Department of Justice collect identification and fingerprint information for each locksmith to ensure that he/she does not have a criminal background. This provides extra assurance that the individual you bring in to your home is legitimate and that his/her locksmith skills are for your protection and security. Would you let someone in to you home who you didn’t trust? That’s why the laws are in place to prevent crime and theft and ensure your protection.

Lastly, and unfortunately, there are many individuals who are working as locksmiths but are not licensed. Often these unlicensed, inexperienced and unprofessional “locksmiths” are simply trying to earn as much money as possible. Therefore they provide misguided advice, charge overly high rates and poorly install locks, giving them, as well as others, access to your home or office. Often they have no real experience or training in the security industry and are motivated by greed.

Only a licensed locksmith can give you qualified advice and recommendations regarding security solutions for your home or business. Always ask a locksmith for his/her license number to ensure that he/she is certified by the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

What is the Difference between a Licensed, Insured and Bonded Locksmith and an Unqualified, Unlicensed Individual?

At Q West Auto Service & Locksmith, we are actively trying to inform and educate our clients about the difference between a licensed, insured, and bonded locksmith and an unlicensed, unqualified individual. Below we have defined these terms for you so you can understand the difference.
• LICENSED = An individual or company has filed the necessary paperwork with the state and/or federal government agencies and received a license to operate as an official business (in this case a locksmith and security company) within that state.
• INSURED = An individual or company has purchased liability insurance to protect both the individual/company and their clients against any accidental damage. This is similar to the car insurance that one must have in order to operate a vehicle in the United States.
• BONDED = An individual or company is bonded when they pay a nominal fee to a bonding company and, after passing a background check, are guaranteed that should an accident occur, the bonding company will post a certain amount of money in order to rectify the situation and fix the problem. Bonding is similar to insurance, but it is an added measure of protection for the client. Many top notch industry organizations offer bonding for their members in their respective industries; for example ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) offers bonding to their members (locksmiths).
Did you know that you can conduct your own locksmith license search?  To verify the license number of a locksmith in Riverside County, please click here.  It is your right to this information and it will help you make a responsible decision when choosing your locksmith.

I am moving into a new home, should I rekey the locks? They seem to be working properly.

When moving in to a new home, it’s crucial that you rekey your locks. Even though locks are working properly, the previous residents still have keys to your new home. While the laundry list of things to do when moving appears daunting, contacting a certified, professional locksmith should be at the top of the list. After all, no one wants unwanted visitors to have access to his or her new home. A certified locksmith will come and rekey the locks (and change the locks that aren’t working properly) to ensure that only YOU have access to your new home.

Do locksmiths usually deal with cars?

Most locksmiths will be able to assist you with a wide array of car locksmith issues especially if you’re just locked out of a vehicle (the locks for a car and a house door are not that different). Many locksmiths have special technicians that can assist you with making new copies of car keys or spare car key copies. These ignition locksmiths can make new keys for the majority of vehicles and will be able to program the key to the vehicle as well (given it’s a transponder key). More luxury vehicle car keys (Mercedes, BMW, Lexus) are more difficult to make and often are required to be taken to the dealership. That being said, older models can sometimes be made by ignition locksmiths as well.

When should I call a locksmith?

Many individuals contact a locksmith when they find themselves in an emergency situation: locked out of a house, car, and need a new car key, etc. Yet the list of services locksmiths provide is much greater than that. Locksmiths can assist you with changing your locks or rekeying your locks, assisting with alarm installation and security bar panic devices, or even helping crack safes. Contact your locksmith today to figure out what type of services they provide and always keep their number on file. After all, if you need a locksmith (especially in an emergency), you don’t want to spend hours looking for a locksmith that can help! Have a reliable, certified locksmith on hand at all hours.>

What kind of guarantee do you offer?

All of our work and locksmith jobs come with a complete 90 day guarantee. This is important as sometimes a new lock might be damaged or their might be an issue with a lock rekey or new car key. It’s our job to provide the best and most complete service possible; that’s why we are here to help you!

Do you have a storefront or walk in location? Where is it?

We are a 24 hour mobile service which means that the technicians will come directly to you. No matter what type of service you need, our technicians can be at your door with the necessary tools and equipment. Looking to change some locks on your house? Don’t worry – our locksmiths will come with a wide array of lock options for you to choose from and will be able to explain the difference between the locks. Need a new car key? Don’t spend money towing the car to the dealership! Call for a certified ignition locksmith who can make the key on the spot so you don’t have to move the car.

I have another question related to locksmithing and security but I don’t see it answered here.  Where can I go to get an answer to my question?

The answer is – right HERE.  If you don’t see your question addressed in our FAQ section, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.  Give us a call at (408) 701-2421 and our friendly dispatchers will gladly answer your questions or connect you to a locksmith who can answer the questions for you. Like we said, our main priority is to ensure that you are informed about the locksmith industry and your security options.
Call Us to Get a Free Quote at (408) 701-2421!