Locksmith FAQ — common questions answered.
Pricing, response time, licensing, car keys, smart locks, rekey vs lock change, commercial accounts, motorcycle keys, safes. If your question isn't here, call us — we answer the phone.
About us & service basics.
What kind of locksmith are you?
We're a specialty locksmith — not a generic emergency lockout service. The work that built our business is planned: lock changes, rekeys after move-ins, smart lock installs, master key systems for property managers, and dealer-grade car key replacement. We do emergency lockouts too, but it's not what we lead with. Family-owned since 2007.
Where do you operate?
We serve four markets: Philadelphia PA (HQ), South Jersey + Camden NJ, Wilmington DE, and Houston TX. Each market has its own location page with detailed service area lists and local pricing.
Do you offer 24/7 service?
No. We don't offer 24-hour service. We offer same-day emergency response during service hours, and we confirm an exact arrival window when you call. We'd rather be honest about that than promise 24/7 and disappoint you at 2am.
How fast can you arrive?
Most calls in our service areas are reached within 30–60 minutes of dispatch during service hours. After-hours and out-of-area calls take longer; we'll quote a specific arrival window when you call.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We hold locksmith / business licenses in 4 states: PA ##538910, NJ ##34LS00075200, DE ##2013607624, TX ##B09404101. Bonded, insured. BBB A+ accredited. COI on request.
Pricing & how we charge.
How much does a locksmith cost?
Typical ranges: rekey per lock $25–$45, lock change with hardware $150–$300, smart lock install $200–$450, home lockout $95–$185, car key replacement $150–$800 depending on brand, motorcycle keys $185–$250 mechanical (programmed = call for price). See our full pricing page for breakdowns by category.
Do you do free estimates?
No — we use upfront pricing instead. We confirm the exact price with you on the phone before dispatching. We avoid the "$29 service call" trap that turns into a $400 surprise once the tech is at your door. Real ranges, confirmed before any work.
Why are luxury / European car keys so much more expensive?
Premium European brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover) and luxury / exotic brands (Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley) use proprietary keyless systems that require manufacturer-specific programming equipment and harder-to-source key blanks. Pricing reflects the technology, not the labor — but we're typically still 30–50% less than dealership pricing for the same key.
Do you offer commercial / fleet account pricing?
Yes. Property management portfolios, auto dealership volume programs, fleet operations, and large-account customers get tiered pricing, dedicated POC, COI, and Net 30 terms. Use our contact page B2B form or call to set up an account.
Locks, rekey & home security.
Should I rekey or change my locks?
Rekey if your existing locks are good quality and you just need to invalidate old keys (after move-in, lost keys, family change). Change locks if the hardware is damaged, low-grade, or you want to upgrade security. We'll tell you straight which is right — no upselling.
How long does a home rekey take?
Most homes done in 30–60 minutes from when we arrive. Larger homes with 6+ exterior locks may run 60–90 minutes. We confirm the timeline before dispatching.
Do you install smart locks?
Yes. We install Wi-Fi, keypad, and Bluetooth smart locks — August, Yale, Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, Level, Ultraloq, and more. We install the model you bought or recommend the right one. Typical install time is 60–90 minutes including walk-through.
Can you install high-security or restricted-key systems?
Yes. Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy and other restricted / patented key systems are part of our regular work. Restricted keys can't be duplicated at standard key kiosks — they require manufacturer authorization, which we have.
Car keys & automotive.
Can you make a replacement car key for my brand?
Yes — we cover every major brand: domestic (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM), Asian (Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Genesis), European (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche, Volvo, Range Rover, Mini, Jaguar, Fiat, Alfa Romeo), and luxury / exotic (Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Aston Martin — call to confirm). 41 brands total — see our Car Key Expert page.
Do you really cut and program car keys on-site?
Yes. Every truck carries dealer-grade key cutting and programming equipment plus our own automotive key inventory. We come to your driveway, parking lot, dealership lot, fleet yard. Most jobs done in 30–60 minutes. No tow truck needed.
What if I lost ALL my car keys (no spare)?
We can still make a new working key on-site. For all-keys-lost jobs we add a new key directly to the vehicle's ECU/immobilizer system without requiring a tow. The process takes longer than copying a spare but doesn't require a trip to the dealer.
Do you serve auto dealerships and fleet customers?
Yes. Volume key programs for dealerships (used inventory rekey, lost-key recovery), fleet operations, auto auctions, and rental car operations. Net 30 terms, COI on request, dedicated POC.
Motorcycle keys.
What motorcycle brands do you handle?
Every major USA-market brand. American (Harley-Davidson, Indian, Buell, Victory), Japanese (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki), European (Ducati, BMW Motorrad, Triumph, KTM, Aprilia, MV Agusta, Husqvarna, Royal Enfield, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Piaggio, Beta), Powersports (Polaris, Can-Am, Bombardier, Arctic Cat, Mercury Marine, Evinrude/Johnson, Kymco, CFMOTO), and electric (Energica, Zero). 30 brands total.
What motorcycle key types do you cover?
Every type — twist / kick-start ignition keys (vintage Harley, classic Japanese), standard ignition switch keys (mid-era), transponder / immobilizer keys (Honda HISS, Suzuki Easy-S, Kawasaki KIPASS, Yamaha Immobilizer), and smart keys / push-to-start / keyless ride (BMW Motorrad, Ducati, modern Indian, premium Honda Goldwing).
How much do motorcycle keys cost?
Regular / mechanical keys: $185–$250 flat-rate, cut on-site. Programmed keys (transponder, smart, push-to-start) and all-keys-lost jobs: call for price — varies too widely by year, model, and immobilizer system to quote ranges online.
Commercial & property management.
Do you work with property management companies?
Yes. Multi-family, commercial real estate, retail, restaurants, offices, and institutions. Master key system design, scheduled tenant turnover rekeys, panic hardware, access control, commercial lock repair, and same-day emergency response. COI on request, Net 30 account terms.
Can you design and install a master key system for my building?
Yes. We design master key hierarchies for multi-tenant properties — grand-master / master / sub-master tiers, key control plans, and pinning charts documented for your facilities team.
Do you handle panic hardware and access control?
Yes. Code-compliant panic bars, exit devices, and fire-rated hardware (Detex, Von Duprin, Adams Rite). Access control: keypad, card reader, fob, and electronic lock systems — installed standalone or integrated with your existing infrastructure.
Safes.
Can you open a locked safe without damaging it?
Most safes — yes. Non-destructive entry through manipulation, bypass, or electronic recovery preserves the safe for continued use. Drilling is a last resort for high-security safes or when the lock has failed mechanically. We always attempt non-destructive entry first.
Do you sell and install safes?
Yes. Home safes, gun safes, jewelry safes, fire-resistant safes, and small commercial-grade safes. We help you pick the right size and security rating for what you're protecting, then install — anchored, leveled, and tested.