18 Aug 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing an Auto Locksmith
Don’t you just hate it when you lock your keys in the car? It’s hard to do with a brand-new car, but it still happens with cars just a few years old. Plus, our modern electronic key fobs can have problems, too. They can stop working or need to be reprogrammed. And, here’s a thing that happens in cold climates: Our keys can break off in the lock! What’s a driver to do when they are having problems with their car locks, keys or ignition switch? Well, if you’re in a safe area, one of the first people you should call is an auto locksmith.
What is an auto locksmith?
Auto locksmiths are highly specialized. Not only will they help you get back into your car if you’ve locked yourself out. They will also repair your car’s ignition switch. And, they can even reprogram your key fob if it’s having problems. It’s now a high-tech job now; they need to be adept in electronics due to all of the high-tech features of today’s cars.
5 tips to consider when choosing an auto locksmith
Please don’t just choose the first car locksmith that you pull up when googling. In the past, you’d have to do a little checking and research to find the best. You’d contact the Better Business Bureau and read reviews online. You’d also check out thumbtack.com to read ratings and reviews for auto locksmiths in your area. And you’d even ask around. Chances are that your friends, family and coworkers have all had to use an auto locksmith at one time or another.
But no longer is it a gamble to choose the right auto locksmith, because it’s no longer a difficult choice. Mach1 offers the best roadside locksmith services around. Just pull up Mach1’s app on your cellphone and choose our lock out service. Mach1 will automatically send a locksmith to your location – our locksmiths are highly trained and know how to fix almost any problem you may have with your car key and locks. You’ll never need to worry that the job won’t be done right. And you’ll always know you’re being charged fairly.
Why choose Mach1?
Mach1 has done away with expensive subscriptions and annual membership fees. Customers no longer need to haggle when they’re looking for services providers for their car. With Mach1, you confirm the price the service provider gives you before the service begins. And you only pay after the service is complete! Plus, to make it easier for you, you pay with your debit or credit card right through our app.
And, when you use Mach1, you no longer have to wait for hours in a dark parking lot, wondering when or if your locksmith will show up. We use GPS to dispatch our closest service provider straight to your location. We’re sure you’ll agree that this is revolutionary. And all of our locksmiths carry universal lock-out tools. You’ll be safer and more secure with Mach1 and will be on the road quickly!
How much do Mach1’s service cost?
You’ll never pay more that fair market value for our services. We charge the regional average price in the area you are in. When you chose your service from our app, you’ll be able to see the price up front. And then you can approve it with a click.
Who are our service providers?
And, no need to worry; we use a seven-point candidate check to vet our locksmiths and all of our other service providers. Plus, we require that all of our providers carry insurance and have safety practice training. If you’re an honorably discharged veteran and are interested in a career as a locksmith with us, we waive sign-up fees for veterans.
What other services does Mach1 offer?
Take a look at all of the services Mach1 offers:
- Dead Battery – Our jump start service will get your car started if you’ve left those lights on overnight
- Flat Tire – We can change your tire or tow you to a garage to have your tire fixed.
- Mobile Mechanic – If your car is in your driveway but needs a repair, use your app to request service to come out
- Lockouts – Our trained locksmiths will come out quickly, saving you precious time
- Out of Fuel – The next time you run out of gas, order a Mach1 service provider for a refuel.
- Non-Emergency – For oil changes and other maintenance
- Tow Truck – Some repairs need to be done at a garage. In those instances, order our towing service
- Trip Inspection – Mach1 offers you peace of mind. We’ll come out to inspect your car before you go on a driving trip.
Above, we’ve gone over what Mach1 can do for you. And, below, we list 5 tips to help you choose an auto locksmith and help you get back in your car and on your way. And, further down, we’ll discuss what an auto locksmith could charge you for any one of a number of situations you could find yourself in. Even though Mach1 is the best in terms of service, price and speed, if you want to compare the locksmith services from those other guys, here are a few ways:
1) Ask about their standard fees
Locksmiths may charge a standard fee plus additional feels for new keys or repairs. Plus, some may charge for the mileage they have to travel to you.
2) Always ask for an estimate in writing
Look over the estimate before the locksmith begins working to see what is included and what you will be charged for. Don’t pay anything until after the repairs are made.
3) Compare more than one locksmith
Ask your friends and neighbors who they recommend. Do some googling and check out their reviews. Try to do some research before hiring a locksmith.
4) Check for licensing
Not all states require locksmiths to be licensed, but if your state does, make sure your prospective locksmith has one.
5) Be safe, hire local
Per Angie’s List, make sure your locksmith has a local address and phone number. If their website looks shady and doesn’t have a local information, move on to the next prospect.
What is an auto locksmith?
You already know that locksmiths are called to put new locks on a house but no everyone knows that there are locksmiths that concentrate on all things automotive. Instead of replacing locking hardware on the front door of a house, an auto locksmith will come out to your car’s location for a variety of reasons.
Some of the services that an auto locksmith offers include:
Emergency lock-out service – An auto locksmith will unlock your car if you key has broken off in the lock or you’ve locked your keys in the car.
Repair of ignition switch – Auto locksmiths can install, repair or rekey your auto ignition switch
Change of cylinders – An auto locksmith can work on your car’s door lock cylinders, rekeying, repairing, replacing and installing a cylinder.
Our Mach1 auto locksmiths won’t leave you stranded. They’ve trained and perfected their services so that they can give you the peace of mind you need to run your errands, take the kids out and drive to work.
How much does an auto locksmith cost?
Auto locksmith prices can vary due to the make and model of your car. With Mach1 app, you’ll the see the price before you confirm the service.
- $60 to $120 to unlock your car, depending on make and model of your car.
- $50 to $150 to rekey your ignition, depending on make and model.
- $50 to $100 for the locksmith to come to you, depending on how far they are from you.
- $200 to $600 to replace your car door lock, depending on make and model.
How much does it cost to replace a car key?
- $70 to $250 to replace your car key, depending on make and model. An older model car will not have a chip in the key, so it won’t be as difficult to replace.
How much does a locksmith charge to program a key fob?
- $50 to $200 to reprogram your key fob, depending on make and model. Some key fobs are more complicated than others, but Mach1 auto locksmiths can handle them all!
Don’t get locked out in the cold!
If you were wondering ‘what does an auto locksmith do?‘ Well, now you know that an auto locksmith does a lot more than just unlock your car when you’ve locked your keys inside. They’re highly skilled in electronics due to the technological advances on today’s cars and they work on a variety of problems to get drivers back on the road. And the best way to find yourself a great locksmith? Mach1, of course. As we showed you above, Mach1’s service providers are vetted and insured. They won’t charge more than the going rate in your area. And they’ll get you on the road quickly and efficiently. And, we hope the prices we’ve shown you for various issues an auto locksmith will handle will aid you in finding a locksmith you can afford. Now, it’s time for you go start your research. Compare the auto locksmith services out there with Mach1’s revolutionary service. Ask how other services vet their employees. Find out if they encourage veterans to apply to become service providers. And do those other services require customers to bargain to get a good price? Or are they like Mach1, where you always know that the price that you agree on is the going rate in your area? When you weigh all of the important aspects of a great auto locksmith it’s clear as day that Mach1 is the best auto locksmith for all of your auto lock needs. You can’t beat their price, quality of repair and speed.
So, if you are ever in a “I locked my keys in the car” situation, choose Mach1 as your auto locksmith and all of your other roadside assistance needs. They can do it all, from oil changes, to pre-trip checks to jump-starting your dead battery. Mach1’s job-one is to help people get on their way without any hitches. So, download our app today and drive with confidence!
But, remember what your mom told you when you started drive: Always carry an extra set of keys on you!