The benefits of hiring a mobile locksmith

A mobile locksmith brings the workshop to you: key-cutting machines, programming tools and common locks travel in the vehicle. For most household and car jobs, that's simpler than going to a shop.

What can be done on site

• Lockouts for homes, cars and offices.
• Rekeying and lock changes, including whole-house rekeys.
• Cutting keys for doors, padlocks, mailboxes and many vehicles.
• Transponder key programming and fob replacement.
• Broken key extraction and lock repairs.
• Deadbolt and door hardware installation.

Why it's useful

No trip needed. If you're locked out, you can't drive to a shop. If you've lost every car key, the car can't get to the dealer without a tow.

The job is done where the lock is. The technician can test the key in the actual lock, adjust a sticking strike plate, or check the door closes properly before leaving.

Less disruption for businesses. Work can be done before opening or after closing.

When a shop still makes sense

A simple house key copy at a hardware counter is cheap if you're passing anyway. Some vehicle keys can only be supplied by the dealer; a dispatcher should tell you if that applies to your car.

Questions to ask before booking

• What is the service call fee, and what does labor start at?
• Will the price be confirmed before work starts?
• Who provides the warranty for the work?
• What ID should I have ready?

For Monrovia, the answers are on the price list and in the terms. The warranty periods listed include 30 days on rekeys and lock repairs and 3 months on new locks.