Being locked out of your car is probably one of your worst nightmares. Obviously, the situation can prove to be even worse if you are in the middle of a road or a city you don’t know. Yes, this problem can easily be solved, but it is completely normal to experience that first surge of panic. Everyone would.
Well, unless you have a spare key on you, which you probably don’t, since it is either in your home or inside the locked car, you have only one option. That’s right. You have to call a professional and wait for them to save the day. In the following text, we will answer some of the most frequent questions and provide you with tips on how to locate the best auto locksmith.
How much time do they need?
Without a doubt, the first thing people want to learn is how long it takes to open a locked car. As you can probably assume, there are many factors that affect this. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere between a few seconds to 45 minutes for a locksmith to open the door, but the average is about 10 minutes.
Things such as the make and model of the vehicle and, obviously, the type of lock determine how difficult this task will be. Some vehicles have a single, while others have a double lock. Sometimes they are installed upside down, which can significantly prolong the time need to open the door.
How much does it cost?
As it is to be expected, this the second most important thing people are curious about. Naturally, this is another question we cannot answer precisely. First of all, different companies charge different rates. Then, the time needed to complete the job and its complexity are other determining factors. Furthermore, there is the matter of make and model of your car once again. Finally, a locksmith will charge you extra if you have called them outside their regular working hours, and they will also take into account the distance they have to cross.
Types of services they offer
Now, let’s discuss some hypothetical situations and present some of the services auto locksmiths offer. How did you get locked out of the vehicle? Was it by accident, and you left the key inside? Is the lock broken? Did you lose it? Was it stolen? Obviously, the last question is the worst-case scenario, but it is another reason why you should call professionals.
Professional can easily provide you with the replacement set of keys since they use devices that can recreate any key. This is a great service even if it isn’t an emergency, but you simply, for some reason, what to change them.
If you want to learn additional details, you can find more info at https://locksmithtucson.us/automotive-locksmith-tucson/, a professional locksmith company from Tucson Arizona, which issues a warranty for their work up to 90 days.
What’s more, they can even provide you with a new set of VAT car keys, high-security keys, etc.
How to find the right professional?
Naturally, there are many things you have to consider before hiring a locksmith. Still, if you are in a middle of a business trip or vacation, you may not have too many options. Surely, this is an emergency, so you need someone to come and help you as soon as possible. You should start by doing an online search for auto locksmiths near you or ask locals for recommendations. When you contact them, explain what the problem is, ask them how much they charge, and if there will be any additional expenses. We have already mentioned that they will charge you extra if they have to travel far. We understand that you want to resolve the issue almost immediately, but that doesn’t mean you should accept the first offer you hear. Take some time to contact different companies.
On the other hand, it is a good idea to hire an auto locksmith, even if you don’t need their services right now. Why? Well, you will know who to contact in case of an emergency. Start by investigating companies in your area. Keep in mind that you may not be able to wait for hours for a professional, so you should try to go with a company from your city. Plus, this way, you will eliminate the travel cost we have already discussed several times.
When looking for a locksmith company beforehand, you have more time to make a decision, meaning that you get to ask more questions and make a decision accordingly. You can ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations or do an online search.
One of the most important things you have to inquire about is regarding the price. We have already mentioned that the cost of this service can vary between companies, so make sure to ask this question so you would know what to expect. It may be a good idea to ask for different types of scenarios. The cost of getting a new set of keys, the cost of repairing a broken lock, the potential travel expenses, and so on. This is the only way to gather all the information and have a clear idea of how much money you may have to invest.
Moreover, our advice is to go with licensed professionals. This may not be an option in case of an emergency, but if you are looking for a locksmith beforehand, always ask if they possess the necessary license or look for this info on their website. This document will tell you more than enough about their work, experience, and you can rest assured that they are reliable professionals that can be trusted. A license also signifies that they provide top-notch services, and finally, you won’t have to worry about potential fraud.
Lastly, you should also check if your insurance covers the cost of the locksmith’s work. Sometimes they do, and most professionals have an insurance certificate that will allow you to refund the cost from the insurance company. If this isn’t a part of your policy, you may want to consider including it since you won’t have to worry about it in the future.
