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How to Choose a Locksmith
Due to the fact that Florida does not have any licensing or certifications for locksmith companies it is very easy for almost anyone to start their own locksmith company. Just in Central Florida alone there is about 50 different locksmith companies that claim to do automotive locksmith work, however most of those are either inexperienced, uneducated, rip offs, or straight up thieves. In actuality there is only about 10 or fewer legitimate automotive locksmith companies. So how do you choose a company that wont screw you over, damage your vehicle or worse? We want to educate you so that you are satisfied with whoever you choose even if it's not us.
Not All Keys Are Created Equal
Many companies use aftermarket keys & fobs. While there is typically no difference between an aftermarket & factory (OEM) metal key, there is a difference when it comes to chipped keys & fobs. Dependent on the quality of the aftermarket some will work just as well as the OEM keys & fobs, others wont & some vehicles will reject the aftermarket keys & fobs so that they either wont program or they will & then fail later on. Some of the companies using aftermarket keys & fobs will sell them at the same prices of OEM keys & fobs, so always ask if the company is using Genuine OEM keys or fobs.
Get your TOTAL Out-the-door cost BEFORE telling them to come out
Only a few companies will give you your actual price over the phone, many will give you the price of the key or fob itself & then after the job is done will tell you that you still have to pay for cutting, programming, service call & more. Your $75 quote just turned into $275 & they will not be afraid to involve the police if you don't pay them, I have even seen a couple of companies do this on lockouts too. So ALWAYS get your total before telling them to come on out including Service Call, Cost of key or fob, Programming, Cutting, Taxes & any other fees. If they refuse, FIND SOMEONE ELSE.
Inexperienced Locksmiths
As stated previously, it is pretty easy for almost anyone to start their own locksmith company. Due to this fact, many of the companies are run by inexperienced locksmiths that (if you are lucky) worked for a legit locksmith for a short period of time & believe that since they learned the basics they are capable of unlocking or making a key for any car. If you choose one of these guys you may end up with scratched or damaged doors of trim, or worse a fried computer module. An experienced locksmith will ask multiple questions about your car, original key & more if needed.
Substandard Quality
Most Locksmiths that claim to do Residential, Commercial & Automotive Locksmith work tent to have substandard quality when it comes to Automotive. Automotive locksmith work is completely different from Residential or Commercial locksmith work & requires a unique skill set, special tools & special equipment. These companies tend to focus more on the more profitable side of the company (Residential & Commercial) & as such tend to have outdated equipment & techs that are not properly trained & experienced as an automotive locksmith.
Potential Thieves
If you call for a locksmith to come out to you & a different company shows up, DO NOT let them touch your car or keys. If you are unsure, call the company you originally called to verify if that tech actually works for them as some companies operate under multiple names. When having a duplicate or lost key made for a vehicle with high theft rates (such as Dodge SRT Vehicles) ask for the locksmith to verify how many keys are programmed to it, if there is extra ask the locksmith to delete all keys & reprogram only the ones you have. Please note: some vehicles (such as most Fords & 2017+ GMs) require 2 programmed keys in order to start.
Bonus Info
Never keep a key that is capable of starting your car hidden on the exterior of the vehicle, if you want to have a key that is able to unlock your door only let your locksmith know that you want a brass door key & let them know that you are planning on hiding on the vehicle. A good locksmith will be able to make you a door key that can never be used to start the car in the event that a thief finds it.
Bonus Info 2
Beware of shady mechanics, many stolen cars were previously taken to a mechanic where someone duplicated the key & later stole the vehicle or sold the key & info to someone else that stole it.
Why Choose Auto Lock Doctor?
Auto Lock Doctor has been in business since December of 2018, however the Owner & Primary Locksmith has been in the industry since 2013 & has even been asked to return & help the company he first worked for. We use the latest technology for making & programming keys. We only use OEM Keys & Fobs unless otherwise requested. We maintain a working relationship with other quality locksmiths in the area to be able to offer more services that we would otherwise be unable to do. Auto Lock Doctor is also Recommended &/or Used by many Dealerships, Shops, Tow Companies & More including: Swerve Auto, Latino's Motor, Best Car Deals, AMP Auto Sales, Millennium Auto Sales, 1st Towing & Recovery, Elite Auto Services, Courtesy Towing, Taurus Logistics, AAMCO East Orlando, Cash America Pawn, Advance Auto Parts, Constellation Towing, Sea World Aquatica, Clermont Towing, Eustis Amaco, 5 Star Towing, Gina's Used Trucks & More! Our reputation speaks for itself, give us a call & see the difference yourself.
