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What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring a Locksmith in Atlanta?

Locksmiths in Atlanta do not require licenses or registration to provide services. Nonetheless, look out for individuals who hold certifications from reputable professional organizations. Being certified shows the locksmith has reasonable skill and professionalism.

Additionally, ensure the professional specializes in the nature of the services you require. You can contact a traditional locksmith if you are locked out of your building (whether residential or industrial), or your keys are stolen or broken. However, when you need to unlock your vehicle's doors or replace its keys, an auto locksmith is the right person for the job.

Other factors you should consider when hiring a locksmith in Atlanta include

• How far the locksmith is from your location
• How soon do you need a locksmith
• How fast the locksmith can get to you
• The cost of hiring the locksmith and your budget

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Atlanta?

Atlanta does not offer locksmith licenses. However, you can hire locksmiths certified by professional associations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and the Safe & Vault Technicians Association.

Although certifications do not equate to licenses, they contribute to the credibility of a locksmith. That is because the locksmith must have completed training and assessment. Professional associations also have codes of ethics that govern their members' activities and ensure professional conduct.

You can confirm the certification of your prospective locksmith by contacting the organization offering the certification. The association may provide information on the professional conduct of the locksmith. So, ensure you do not skip this step.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Locksmith Services in Atlanta?

The hourly cost of hiring locksmiths in Atlanta ranges from $10 to $34. Locksmiths may charge varying rates depending on whether they are working on a house, car, or safe. Other factors that determine the overall cost of hiring a locksmith in Atlanta include

• Proximity of the locksmith
• Reputation and experience
• Peak hours
• Emergencies

Before deciding who to work with, request written estimates from at least three locksmiths and compare them. This way, you can determine a reasonable price range for your project. This knowledge protects you from being overcharged and makes it difficult for an unscrupulous locksmith to entice you with an unreasonably low estimate.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Beyond unlocking doors, locksmiths offer various services that can help you secure your buildings and your items. This includes lock installation and upgrading, key cutting and copying, and rekeying. Below are common tasks performed by Atlanta locksmiths and the average costs.

Considering the scope of the locksmith profession, it is essential to confirm your prospective locksmith's expertise covers the services that you require.

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Atlanta?

An auto or automotive locksmith is a locksmith who works on vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Auto locksmiths undertake various tasks involving vehicle locks, keys, and security systems, including:

• Fixing or replacing locks
• Opening car trunks
• Fixing and repairing keys
• Removing broken keys
• Repairing/Replacing ignition systems
• Helping with car lockouts
• Programming key fobs and transponder keys
• Making spare car keys

Note that motorcycle keys have distinct coding and can be complicated to handle. As such, ensure that the locksmith you hire has the competence, experience, and tools to work on your motorcycle. Below are estimated costs for commonly requested auto locksmith services in Atlanta:

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

While diverse situations may require a locksmith's expertise, specific cases demand swift responses, such as:

• Being locked out of your vehicle or home
• Damaged or broken keys
• Lost or stolen keys
• Damaged locks on doors or vehicles
• Replacing locks after a break-in
• Forgetting safe codes

These unforeseen situations require an emergency locksmith readily available to help you. Mobile locksmiths fit the bill, as they offer the flexibility and quick response required in emergencies. Other benefits of hiring mobile locksmiths are

• On-site assistance
• 24/7 availability
• Extensive reach to remote areas
• Limited towing charges

You can use self-service digital key copying services like Keyme and Minute Key. However, consider issues like kiosk scarcity and the risk of security breaches.

Finally, an emergency service costs more than a regular service. However, preventive measures like having spare keys, trusted locksmith contacts, smart locks, and regular maintenance can minimize emergencies.

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Having a locksmith work in your building or on your vehicle requires trust. The individual will have a certain extent of access to your home and belongings. Because of this, ensure you are not opening yourself to the risk of crime when hiring one. This makes background checks on any locksmith you intend to hire important. Although Georgia felony records are publicly available, you need the consent of the person to conduct a criminal record check. Also, theAtlanta Police Departmentoffers criminal record checks for a fee.

Additionally, any locksmith business you contract conducts thorough background checks on the staff they are sending to work with you. In addition to criminal records, employers also check other important details like employment history, credit checks, and civil records checks. Furthermore, obtain the locksmith's details and request an ID with name and address before granting access to your home or vehicle.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

Warranties protect you from the economic effects of defective repair, retooling, and installations. Manufacturers typically offer a one-year warranty for product defects. This is different from the one the locksmith offers to assure you the work is properly done. Although Atlanta locksmiths don't need to offer warranties, always ask for them. Ensure it is in writing and you understand the warranty terms, especially its scope and limitations. Note that warranties often exclude:

• Damages from misuse or neglect
• Unauthorized repairs or alterations
• Acts of nature, accidents, or external factors
• Failure to follow maintenance instructions
• Lost keys or unauthorized entry