Get Quotes from Top Locksmiths in Garland, TX

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

All locksmiths in Garland need a state-issued license before offering locksmith services to residents. Always check for this before hiring. When searching for locksmiths in Garland, consider the following factors in addition to the license status of the locksmith:

• The locksmith's local reputation
• The locksmith's location and availability
• The locksmith's fees
• The urgency of the situation

Contact the right type of locksmith whose skill sets match your required services. This will ensure your job will be handled efficiently. Depending on the nature of the task, you may need a traditional locksmith or an auto locksmith. Traditional locksmiths are skilled in the installation and alteration of locks and keys of buildings, while auto locksmiths specialize in vehicle-related lock and key issues.

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Garland?

Any individual who wishes to install or alter security devices (including keys, locks, and deadbolts) in Garland must obtain a locksmith license from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Locksmith businesses in the city must obtain a Class B company license from this department before offering their services. Performing locksmith services in Garland without the required license is unlawful and attracts a civil penalty of up to $10,000. The same penalty applies to people who knowingly hire these unlicensed locksmiths.

Always hire appropriately licensed locksmiths for all your locksmithing needs. Doing this assures qualified professionals will provide your required services and ensures you avoid state-issued sanctions. Therefore, before committing to any locksmiths in Garland, request proof of their licensure and verify it using the DPS's TOPS portal.

Contact the DPS at (512) 424-2000 for more information on Garland locksmiths' licensing requirements and license status verification.

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

Locksmiths in Garland usually charge an average of $75 - $200 for their services. This includes labor rates of about $40 - $75 per hour plus the cost of all required materials for the job. The actual cost you will pay your locksmith will be determined by the type of service you need and other variables like:

• Your location
• The time of the day
• The urgency of the situation
• The lock type
• The complexity of the task

Get cost estimates from up to three Garland locksmiths and compare their rates before hiring. This will give you an idea of the expected cost of your project and protect you from fraudulent locksmiths. However, avoid hiring locksmiths with ridiculously lower rates, as dishonest locksmiths use this method to trick susceptible customers.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Licensed locksmiths in Garland offer many services ranging from key replacements to lock installation in vehicles, residential buildings, and commercial properties. Listed below are common services provided by Garland locksmiths and the corresponding rates:

Before hiring a Garland locksmith, confirm their specialization and ascertain it pertains to your required service. Agree on the expected cost of the services and other additional costs that may arise. Such agreements will prevent misunderstandings and disputes with the locksmith.

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Garland?

Auto locksmiths specialize in providing lock-related services for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles. They typically handle the following tasks with great skill and expertise:

• Unlocking vehicle doors
• Repairing vehicle ignitions
• Extracting broken keys
• Programming key fobs
• Reopening car trunks
• Replacing missing or damaged keys
• Repairing or replacing vehicle locks
• Replacing door actuators

Confirm your intended auto locksmith or motorcycle locksmith has experience in handling your specific vehicle brand or model before hiring. This will ensure that your services are provided by the best hands available.

Estimates for common auto locksmith services offered in Garland are listed below:

If you require locksmith services for a motorcycle, ensuring that the auto locksmith business you contact has an experienced and well-equipped motorcycle locksmith on staff is crucial. This is because motorcycle keys have a different coding system from other keys; hence, specialized equipment is needed for key duplication.

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Most lock-related situations are considered emergencies. However, some situations need more urgent attention than others. These urgent situations often include the following:

• Your keys are stolen or misplaced
• Your keys broke inside the lock
• You got locked out of your apartment or vehicle
• You suspect a break-in
• You need to change your locks after a burglary

When faced with these situations, it is important essential to contact a licensed and trustworthy locksmith who can rectify the issue immediately. Mobile locksmiths are the best professionals in these situations. These locksmiths operate out of mobile workshops and offer benefits like:

• Faster response time
• 24/7 availability
• Better ability to access remote locations
• Little to no towing fees for auto emergencies

Consider signing up with alternative locksmith brands like KeyMe and MinuteKey that provide fast key copying and duplication services. There is always a risk of data breaches exposing copies of your key to unauthorized parties when you use these services. There may be limited availability of self-service kiosks for physical key duplication.

We recommend taking the following precautions to prevent or minimize lock-related emergencies:

• Get spare keys
• Use lockboxes
• Adopt smart locks for your home
• Have at least two trusted locksmiths on speed dial

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Emergencies?

Locksmiths in Garland must pass a criminal background check before being licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. However, ensure the locksmith you are hiring has passed this criminal background check and evaluates their employees to ensure they have clean records. Reputable locksmith companies in Garland typically conduct other background checks on their employees in addition to criminal records checks, like:

• Civil record checks
• Credit checks
• Driving records check
• Random drug screenings
• Previous employment verifications

Confirming that your intended locksmiths and their employees have been thoroughly vetted reduces the likelihood of theft, robberies, and other similar crimes. Consider requesting the name and description of the locksmith heading to you and ensure they provide a corresponding ID before letting them into your home or vehicle.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

Always confirm you will be offered warranties before finalizing negotiations with your intended locksmith. Warranties guarantee that the installed or altered lock or security system will function as intended. Experienced locksmiths in Glendale offer two main types of warranties to their clients:

• Manufacturer's warranty: this covers defects with the lock used for the job and typically lasts for about one year.
• Workmanship warranty: this covers work-related errors on the locksmith's part.

The specific terms and conditions of each warranty differ by product and locksmith. However, standard locksmith warranties usually do not cover damages caused by the following situations:

• Unauthorized repairs
• Improper lock installation
• Natural disasters
• Negligence or vandalism

It is advisable to request a written copy of your warranty to read and familiarize yourself with its specific terms and conditions.