Did you know that the first locks with keys were created in 704 BC? The art of locksmithing developed the most during the times of the Roman Empire. This means that there have been locksmiths for almost as long as there have been locks.
Locksmiths have evolved their trade with the times, meaning that when cars came about, they adapted. Now, many locksmith businesses offer car lockout services. If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car on accident, odds are you’ve used one of these.
If you haven’t, though, you may be wondering what a car lockout service costs. It could be a good idea to have an emergency fund in case you need it. If you’d like to know the costs, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll explain how much a car lockout service in Houston costs. We’ll also explain why having a car lockout service on hand is worth the money. All you need to do is keep reading.
What Is a Car Lockout Service?
A car lockout service is just one of many services that locksmiths offer. Locksmiths have experience with all kinds of different locks, so it’s only natural for them to offer their services.
When you’ve been locked out of your car, there are a few things that you can do. If your keys are in the car, the first thing you might jump to is to break a window. That might get you back into your car, but then it means that you’ll need to replace your window.
A few decades ago, before cell phones were common, breaking a window may have been the only option available to you. These days, you can find an emergency locksmith service to help you out. All you need to do is provide them with information on your car and where you are, and then let them know that you need a car lockout service as soon as possible.
What Do Car Lockout Services Do?
Car lockout services do a few different things. The biggest and most important one is that they can help you get into your car when you’re locked out of it.
Although you can try to unlock your car yourself, you should avoid doing that. Using a car lockout service is a far better option than trying to get into your car yourself. Car lockout services can get you into your car quicker than you can, and they’re also very reliable.
Car lockout services can unlock your car without doing any damage to it, something that’s definitely preferable to breaking a window.
In addition to unlocking your car, car lockout services can also help you get a replacement key if you have lost your own keys or if they’re broken. Many car lockout services can get you a replacement key almost immediately. They’ll also make sure the replacement key works with your car.
Car lockout services can also replace your locks if lock damage is what is keeping you from getting into your car. Whether your locks need replacing or just rekeying, they can manage it.
Why Would I Need a Car Lockout Service?
There are many reasons why you might need a car lockout service. Don’t underestimate how a car lockout service can benefit you.
The most common use for car lockout services is when someone has accidentally locked their keys in the car. This happens more than you would think, especially when people are in a hurry. There are only so many things that a person can remember at once, and keys are often forgotten items.
Another common reason to call a lockout service is if your keys have been lost. Car keys are one of the top five things that people lose often. Not everybody has a spare key or the time to try and search for their lost keys.
If you’re a strong person or your keys are old, you may end up needing a car lockout service for a broken key. Key fobs are also easier to break than older car keys. Newer car models will not open if the batteries are dead or the computer chip in the key is broken and won’t respond.
Lastly, you might need a car lockout service because your door lock is broken. This is common in old cars. Old cars wear down over time, leading to the locks breaking and the need to replace them.
This isn’t to say old cars are the only cars with door problems – new cars can cause plenty of problems too. If you own a high-tech car, the problem might be caused by the security system. When a high-tech car detects an attempt to break in, it often disables the locks on the car doors or puts the car into a temporary lockdown.
Whatever reason you find yourself needing a lockout service, they can respond promptly. Let the technician do the work and ease your mind.
Car Lockout Service Costs
Fortunately, the cost of car lockout services in Houston is fairly straightforward. There are no hidden charges or fees. However, the costs of the car lockout service may vary depending on the type of security.
Before any work begins, the technician assigned to you will give you a complete explanation of what it will all cost. This prevents you from being unfairly blindsided.
Houston Locksmith Pros, our car lockout service, starts with a standard Service Call fee of $29 before any work is done. Whether you’ve been locked out of a car, truck, or motorcycle, the lockout service costs start at $30.
If you’re looking for other lockout services and their costs, Houston Locksmith Pros offers those too. Like our car lockout services, the cost of home lockout services in Houston starts at $30. The same goes for businesses, bedrooms, and even cabinets that you’ve been locked out of.
The one exception to this is our safe lockout services. If you have been locked out of a safe, the beginning costs for this service start at $70. This does not include the $29 service fee.
So regardless of what you’ve found yourself locked out of, rest assured that you can find a lockout service to help you.
How to Choose a Lockout Service
To choose a lockout service, you must choose the right locksmith service. Doing this will help put your mind at ease and make sure you get the best care possible.
The biggest thing you can do to choose the right service is to do your research ahead of time. Look for recommendations from friends and family, and look up online reviews. This gives you a good picture of the service offered so you won’t be taken advantage of.
Another thing you can do is get multiple quotes from different companies. This helps you make sure that none are charging you more than they should. When getting a quote, make sure you ask about labor, parts, and any fees they might have.
Once you’ve found a locksmith you like, you should move on to verifying your chosen service. There are three main sections to this.
First, ask for proof of insurance. Once you have it, call the insurance company to make sure it’s valid. This protects you in case something goes wrong during a job.
Next, make sure they have a valid license. This can be found on their website or by asking for proof of insurance.
Lastly, talk with them about their experiences! Ensure that you’re confident they can get the job done.
Avoid the Need for Car Lockout Services
It’s good to know what locksmith to go to and what they charge for car lockout services. However, it would be even better not to need car lockout services in the first place. You can help prevent the need for car lockout services largely by creating a mental checklist.
Remember to take the key out of the ignition as soon as you park. This helps you to bring it in with you instead of leaving it there.
Avoid hiding a key inside your car. If you lose the main key, someone else can find this key and use your car at their disposal. Consider alternatives instead.
Make sure you keep a spare key with you. Having a spare key on you can prevent a lockout, and you can give a spare key to any relatives or trusted friends if you feel it would be good.
Invest in a car key finder and try to keep track of all of your keys. Key finders help you locate lost keys quickly and easily. Keeping track of your keys, however, means that they will never fall into the wrong hands.
Finally, make sure that you perform regular lock maintenance. Taking care of your car’s locks can prevent them from breaking down too soon.
What Else Can Locksmith Services Do?
Apart from car lockout services, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to request locksmith services. Locksmiths work hard at their trade and can do all kinds of things for you.
Locksmiths often offer automotive, commercial, and residential services. All of these come with lockout service, and each offers unique services as well.
One big thing that locksmiths can do is boost your home or office security. In an office, this could help with accessing control systems or it could be setting up a master key system. Commercial services also often include installation or repair of magnetic door locks.
Residential locksmith services also work to boost home security. This may be by installing a deadbolt or other types of lock systems that would be hard to get through. In addition, they can also help you secure your mailbox or any safes you might have.
Finally, one thing both residential and commercial locksmith services offer is the installation of CCTV systems. With the use of CCTV systems, you can effectively help prevent a break-in. Or, if a break-in can’t be prevented, you can collect evidence to ensure anyone who does break in gets brought to justice.
No matter what you might need help with, locksmiths are worth consulting.
Reasons to Use Houston Locksmith Pros
You’ve heard many of our tips on why you should use a lockout service as well as what locksmiths can do for you. Now we can tell you why you should use Houston Locksmith Pros specifically.
Houston Locksmith Pros is available 24/7, which means we’re never out of reach if you have an emergency. We have years of experience, meaning we can help you and set your mind at ease quickly.
We offer a wide range of services. Any one of these might be just the thing you need to bring better security to your life.
We have both the latest tools and knowledge of the newest techniques, so you’ll greatly enjoy our efficiency.
Finally, Houston Locksmith Pros is insured and certified, so you know we’re trustworthy!
Request Service Today
Now that you’ve heard all about locksmiths and the car lockout service costs, you’re ready to take the next step – choosing a locksmith of your own. Getting a locksmith is easy. All you need to do is request service here.
We offer automotive, residential and commercial locksmith services. Choose which type you need, and then fill out the rest of the form that’s presented to you. Be as specific as possible about why you want to request service.
You know the steps now, so request locksmith services from us today. You won’t regret it!