Door Repairs and Installation

The arrival time for a locksmith can vary depending on several factors, such as the locksmith's current workload, your location, and the time of day. However, here is a general guideline for typical response times:

• Normal Hours: 15 to 30 minutes
• Busy Periods: 30 to 60 minutes
• Off-Peak Hours (Nights/Weekends): 20 to 45 minutes

For the most accurate estimate, it’s best to contact the locksmith directly and inquire about their current response time.

For more information or to book a service, call us at +1 (604) 332-7536. You can also contact us or visit our store at Unit 110, 846 20th St, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4X1. Check out our [Google Business Profile](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4acbg5CSxRhUcBCZ9).

Working with a licensed locksmith is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: A licensed locksmith has gone through a police background check, ensuring that they have no criminal record and adhere to legal standards. This guarantees that your keys won't end up in the wrong hands and your belongings will be safe.
• Professionalism: Licensed locksmiths have undergone the necessary training and certification processes, ensuring they are knowledgeable and skilled in their field.
• Security: A licensed locksmith adheres to industry standards and best practices, which helps protect your property and personal safety. Our locksmiths undergo a month-long in-house security course in addition to their training at BCIT, so we can always find the right solution for you.
• Insurance and Liability: Licensed locksmiths carry insurance, which means any damages caused during the job are covered. This protects you from potential financial loss.
• Trustworthiness: Licensing indicates that the locksmith has passed background checks and is recognized by local authorities as a credible professional.
• Quality Assurance: Licensed locksmiths are more likely to provide high-quality services and use reliable products, giving you peace of mind.

For more information or to book a service, Cull Us at +1(604)332-7536. You can also contact us or visit our store at Unit 110, 846 20th St, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4X1. Check out our Google Business Profile-https://maps.app.goo.gl/4acbg5CSxRhUcBCZ9

Verify Licensing: Ensure the locksmith company is licensed to operate in your area. You can check the license by the company name using this direct link: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/security/utilities/verifysecuritybusiness.do

Check Insurance: A legitimate locksmith should have insurance to cover any potential damages during the service. Ask for proof of insurance before hiring.

Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for customer reviews and testimonials online. Websites like Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) can provide insights into the locksmith's reputation.

Ask for Identification: When the locksmith arrives, ask to see their identification and business card. This ensures that the person you are dealing with is indeed the representative of the company you contacted.

Avoid Scams: Be wary of locksmiths who answer the phone with generic phrases like "locksmith services" rather than a specific company name. Also, be cautious if the locksmith arrives in an unmarked vehicle.

For more information or to book a service, call us at +1 (604) 332-7536. You can also contact us or visit our store at Unit 110, 846 20th St, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4X1. Check out our Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4acbg5CSxRhUcBCZ9

• If someone is offering a price that is too good to be true, know that this is a trap. There is no $19, $29, $35, $40, or even $50 locksmith. Just so you know, locksmith companies charge a minimum $60-$90 service call just to cover the expenses of advertising and gas, same as any mobile service company such as plumbers, electricians, welders, appliance techs, and more. All these businesses are made from the same structure: there is a service call that includes diagnostics and then parts and labor. So if the price is very low, know that in the end, you will pay at least five times more. Example Story: A client called me on a Sunday at 9 pm. I gave him an estimate of $250 plus tax as it was a weekend night to come and unlock his door. He said he got an estimate of a $19 service call and labor $35 and up. I told him right away that it would be a scam. At that moment, he didn't believe me. After an hour, he called me back and asked for my help to somehow return his money. He ended up paying them almost $600 as they said it was a high-security lock and they had to drill it out and replace it with the same quality lock. After he sent me pictures of the lock, I saw the cheapest lock that cost not more than $20. I told him that now I couldn't do anything, and the only thing I could do was replace the Mickey Mouse lock that he got. In the end, he ended up replacing the lock twice, and I had to charge him $250 for a lock that we usually install, which is a Schlage B560. This is a high-quality lock that can fit residential and commercial applications, instead of the no-name lock with a Kwikset keyway that he got. It didn't even have a metal body, just a thin metal cover. Anyway, the story ends with a lady who paid $850 for believing that someone could come out for $19 and do a job. The moral is: free cheese is only in a mousetrap. She could have ended up with only $250 plus tax; we would come, open her door without damage, and she could use her spare key.
• Verify Credentials: Ensure the locksmith is licensed and insured. You can use the BC Government's verification tool to check their license: BC Government's Verification Tool. Legitimate locksmiths should also have insurance to cover any potential damages during the service​ (Better Business Bureau)​​ (Redfin)​.
• Check Reviews and Ratings: Look up reviews and ratings on trusted websites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Positive feedback from customers is a good indicator of a reputable locksmith. Be cautious if you see many negative reviews or complaints​ (Better Business Bureau)​​ (Unlock-it Locksmith Services)​.
• Request an Estimate: Ask for a written or verbal estimate before any work begins. This should include all potential charges and fees. Be wary of locksmiths who provide significantly low quotes over the phone and then increase the price once on-site​ (Acme Lock)​​ (Unlock-it Locksmith Services)​.
• Verify Company Identity: When you call a locksmith, they should answer with a specific business name, not a generic phrase like "locksmith services." Upon arrival, ask to see their identification and business card. A legitimate locksmith will arrive in a marked vehicle with company branding​ (Better Business Bureau)​​ (Unlock-it Locksmith Services)​.
• Be Cautious of Unmarked Vehicles: Legitimate locksmiths typically use marked vehicles with their company name and logo. Be wary of locksmiths who arrive in unmarked cars, as this could be a sign of a scam​ (Acme Lock)​​ (Chicago Locksmith)​.
• Avoid Cash-Only Payments: Reputable locksmiths usually accept various forms of payment, including credit cards. Be cautious if a locksmith demands cash-only payments, as this can make it difficult to dispute charges later​ (Unlock-it Locksmith Services)​​ (Chicago Locksmith)​.
• Demand an Invoice: Insist on an itemized invoice that includes parts, labor, mileage, and service charges. This will help you dispute any charges if necessary and ensures transparency​ (Better Business Bureau)​​ (Unlock-it Locksmith Services)​.

Getting locked out can be stressful, but here are some quick steps to help you:

• Stay Calm and Check All Entrances.
• For Cars: If you have insurance, call and ask if you're covered. In British Columbia, BCAA covers up to 3 car lockouts per year.
• Before panicking, check if any doors or windows are unlocked. This applies to both houses and cars. Also, see if friends or family have a spare key and if they're willing to bring it to you.
• If you are a renter, check with your strata company, property management company, or landlord if they have a spare key.

DIY Entry Methods

• Use a credit card to slip the latch on a spring lock or try picking the lock with bobby pins. This might not work on high-security locks and could damage your lock or card.

Call a Professional Locksmith

• If DIY methods fail, contact a professional locksmith. First, learn how to choose a reliable locksmith and avoid scams, which we've covered in previous Q&A.
• If locked out of your car, call your roadside assistance plan.

Prevention Tips:

• Hide a Spare Key: Place it in a secure, discreet location.
• Switch to Keyless Entry: Consider installing smart locks to avoid future lockouts

For more information or to book a service, call us at +1 (604) 332-7536. Visit our store at Unit 110, 846 20th St, New Westminster, BC, V3M 4X1. Check out our Google Business Profile: (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4acbg5CSxRhUcBCZ9).