When you’re on the hunt for a residential, automotive or commercial locksmith and you’re confronted with many possible options, you might end up with quite a few questions running through your mind as you try and decide on the perfect choice. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that our customers often have.
1. What services do locksmiths offer?
A qualified and experienced commercial or residential locksmith will offer a range of services including:
- Opening locked doors in homes, businesses and cars
- Repairing or rekeying damaged locks
- Supplying and installing new locks
- Providing advice on good security installations
- Installing security devices such as alarms and CCTV cameras
- Providing specialty lock services such as master keys, access control systems and restricted key systems
- Key cutting new or replacement keys
2. Is the locksmith you want to use licensed?
At Amalgamated Locksmiths, we have a Victoria Police business security registration license (# 720-634-305). Plus, all of our technicians have their own security licenses issued by Victoria Police. In addition, our company is a long-standing member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia and you should expect no less when looking for a reputable locksmith.
3. What compliance should a reputable locksmith have?
A trusted and reputable locksmith should have Public Liability insurance as well as a ‘working with children’ check and a white card. Our company has a $10 million Public Liability insurance coverage and all of our highly-experienced technicians have current ‘working with children’ checks and white cards.
4. How can you trust the locksmith you’re about to engage?
To ensure you’ll be engaging a trusted locksmith, here are a few checks you should make:
- The company should have a shop front and a business address on their website.
- Check how many years the company or locksmith has been in business – our company has operated in this industry for over 40 years.
- Make sure that the locksmith looks professional and wears a uniform with the company logo.
- Ensure that the locksmith holds a security license and has a white card as well as a ‘working with children’ check.
- Above all, make sure that the company is a member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.
5. How do I tell whether the locksmith is too good to be true?
As is the case with many service industries, there’s a wealth of scammers and fraudsters that have popped up over recent years. This is why you need to choose your locksmith carefully. For example, you’ll probably come across supposed locksmiths that charge you a flat fee of $45. Do not engage one of these because they’re most likely not licensed and the job will end up costing you a lot more. Check out this website which explains why it’s important to choose a master locksmith.
6. If I lose my key do I have to replace the entire lock?
There’s no need to replace the entire lock if you happen to lose the key because a master locksmith can easily rekey your existing lock and cut you new keys. This is often a more affordable option than replacing locks with new ones.
7. Do I need to put locks on my windows?
With the number of break-ins constantly on the rise, it’s imperative that you have locks installed on all your windows. This gives you added security and peace of mind. It may also reduce your insurance premiums. Amalgamated locksmiths supply a full range of window locks and we can provide you with a free no-obligation quote.
8. How can I monitor who has keys to my business?
The best way to monitor who has keys to your business is to install a restricted key system. This can easily be updated when a staff member leaves and all new keys issued will need to be signed for. Give us a call as we’re more than happy to discuss these systems with you.
9. I don’t want to carry keys everywhere I go. What can I do?
If you’re tired of carrying around your keys and want a better solution, an access control system or the installation of digital locks is the answer.
10. What’s the best way to secure important documents and equipment on site?
To keep your important documents and equipment secure, you’ll need a safe, either at home or on your business premises. We have a full range that we can supply and install for you.
11. How do you know who has been to your property while you’re not there?
You can easily monitor who visits and leaves your property with the installation of a CCTV security system.
12. How much does a locksmith typically cost?
This will depend on the actual service that you need. If you give us a call, we can supply a quote over the phone. Above all, don’t fall for any of those scammers who offer a single rate for every service because you’ll end up paying a lot more.
13. What should I do if I’m locked out of my house or car?
If you find yourself locked out of your house or car, it’s best to call a reputable residential or car locksmith who can quickly come and assist you. Better yet, why not put our number (03 9419 6922) in your phone so you’ll always know who to call when an emergency arises and you need a 24 hour locksmith.
14. Can a locksmith cut a new key without the original?
Yes, a fully experienced locksmith has the latest key cutting tools and the knowledge to cut a new key even if you’ve lost the original.
15. Can locksmiths open any type of lock?
Yes, fully experienced locksmiths, like our own technicians, can open almost any type of lock.
16. Is it safer to replace locks or rekey them?
Either method is fine when considering the safety of your property because once a lock is rekeyed, any previous keys will not work. It’s also often cheaper to rekey locks rather than replace a lock.
17. Is it necessary to change your locks periodically and how often should you do it?
You should only need to change your locks if they’re old, worn or damaged, or if you’re unsure whether anyone else might have a key to your doors.
18. What is a restricted key?
A restricted key is a specialist key that provides restricted access to the key holder. It can only be duplicated by the locksmith who initially cut the key and only with written authority from the owner of the key.
19. Do I have to provide any ID before the locksmith can open the door to my home?
Yes, any government-issued ID such as your driver’s license, that shows your name and your residential address, should be sufficient to let the locksmith know that it’s your home.
20. Is it permissible to change the locks if you’re only renting the property?
Yes, you can change the door locks in a rental as long as you get the property owner’s permission. You will also have to supply a set of new keys to the owner or your property manager.
Contact Us – Amalgamated Locksmiths
Hopefully, this has helped to answer some of the questions you may have about locksmiths, what they do and how to choose the right one. If you have any further questions or want one of our experts to come and give you a quote, feel free to give us a call on 03 9419 6922.