Mobile locksmith FAQ
Straight answers to the questions people ask before they call.
Short answer: Call (408) 418-0044 with your location and what you need. You get an honest answer on timing and the total before any work begins. The questions below cover pricing, ID, damage, cars, homes, businesses and safes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mobile locksmith?
A locksmith who works from a fully equipped van at your location instead of a shop. Lockouts, key cutting and programming, rekeys, repairs and installations are all done on site.
What areas do you cover?
The San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, San Mateo and San Jose. If you are outside those, call and you get an honest yes or no.
How fast can you arrive?
It depends on your location and what is already on the board, so it is confirmed honestly on the phone rather than promised on a web page.
How much does a lockout cost?
Car lockouts typically run $75 to $150 and home lockouts $75 to $175 including the trip. After-hours calls, high-security locks and remote locations sit above that. You get the total on the phone.
Do you quote the price before coming out?
Yes. The total is quoted from what you describe. If something on site is genuinely different, it is explained before any extra work is done.
Will you damage my lock or door?
Non-destructive entry comes first: picking, bypass and decoding. Drilling is a last resort and only with your agreement.
What ID do I need to show?
Photo ID plus proof you are entitled to be there: registration or insurance card for a car, a lease or utility bill for a home, the owner's authorisation for a business.
Can you make a car key without the original?
Yes. The key code is pulled from the VIN or the lock is decoded, the blade is cut and the transponder or fob is programmed on site for most makes.
Should I rekey or replace my locks after moving?
Rekey, unless the hardware is worn or low-grade. Rekeying keeps the locks and makes every old key useless for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Can you open a safe?
Home and gun safes with dead keypads, lost combinations or jammed bolts are handled with proof of ownership. See the safe lockout guidance page for what to do first.
Do you work on businesses?
Yes: rekeys, master key systems, panic hardware, closers, storefront locks and lockouts for offices, shops, restaurants and multi-unit buildings.
How do I pay?
Card or cash on completion, with an itemised receipt showing the trip, labour and any parts.
How do I avoid locksmith scams?
Get the company name and the total on the phone, expect to be asked for ID, refuse drilling that is not explained, and pay only against an itemised invoice. The safety checklist covers it in detail.
How do I reach you?
Call (408) 418-0044 and describe the situation, your exact location and what you need. Timing is confirmed on that call rather than promised in advance, and you get the total before any work begins.
Need a locksmith at your location?
Call with your exact location and what you need. You get a straight answer and the total before any work begins.