Get Quotes from Top Locksmiths in Aurora, CO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lock Smith or Pop a Lock in Aurora

One in 16 Americans loses their car or house keys. Aurora has over 145,189 houses, 13,000 small businesses, and more than 250,000 vehicles. These figures show the number of doors, keys, and locks in the city and the need for locksmiths for maintenance, upgrades, and related services. Luckily, there are 170 locksmiths in the Aurora metropolitan area ready to help with key duplications and replacements, safe opening, and repairing damaged locks.

Our preferred locksmith is crucial to whether you get satisfactory service. As such, ensure whoever you contract has the required skills and credentials. You can consider asking the following questions to vet your prospective locksmith thoroughly:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring a Locksmith in Aurora?

In Aurora, locksmiths do not need professional licenses to provide services. However, choosing a certified locksmith to handle your lock-related issues is advisable. Certifications guarantee that your locksmith has professional training and can provide quality service. It is also essential to consider other factors, such as:

  • Your prospective locksmith's rates and affordability
  • The urgency of your need for a locksmith
  • The proximity of the locksmith to your location

Locksmiths offer various services. The locksmith you choose should specialize in offering your required service. Most locksmiths are either traditional or auto locksmiths. Traditional locksmiths handle various lock and keying issues for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Auto locksmiths specialize in vehicle-related lockouts and key problems, and they are the go-to experts for car lockouts, key replacements, ignition repairs, and similar issues.

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Aurora?

Although Aurora does not issue locksmith licenses, consider hiring a locksmith with certifications from reputable associations like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and the Society of Professional Locksmiths (SPL). Certifications show the locksmith is well-trained and is regulated by certain professional codes. Locksmith certifications can be verified by contacting the certifying organization.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Locksmith Services in Aurora?

The hourly cost for locksmith services in Aurora can vary based on the service you request. House and car lockouts range from $75 to $150 per hour, while safe services like opening or repairing safes can range from $100 to $200 per hour.

Other factors that may influence the total cost of hiring a professional locksmith include:

  • The complexity of the job
  • The time of day
  • Your lock preferences
  • Peak service hours
  • The type of lock or security system involved

Ensure you request and compare estimates from at least three locksmiths before hiring. This helps determine the scope of your work and likely costs. It also protects you from unscrupulous locksmiths looking to overcharge you and con artists offering unreasonably low prices to earn your favor and defraud you.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Locksmiths in Aurora provide various services to enhance security and address lock-related issues. They assist with lockouts, repairs, rekeying, lock installation, and key cutting and copying services. Here are the average prices associated with several locksmith services in Aurora:

Key duplication:
$2 - $10
House/building lockout:
$75 - $150
Door lock repair:
$75 - $250
Door lock installation:
$150 - $400
Deadbolt installation:
$75 - $200
Electronic lock installation:
$100 - $500
Smart lock installation:
$100 - $300
Key extraction:
$75 - $150
Key replacement:
$50 - $200
Rekeying house locks:
$30 - $100
Safe opening:
$100 - $200
Changing locks:
$30 - $300
Filing cabinet lock replacement:
$50 - $150
Mailbox key replacement:
$15 - $50
Auto locksmith services:
$50 - $500
Emergency services (in addition to regular charges):
$75 - $250

To avoid misunderstandings and disputes, agree with your locksmith on your needed service, costs, and related concerns.

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Aurora City?

Auto locksmiths handle vehicle lock-related issues such as broken car locks, broken keys, lost keys or key fobs, and faulty ignition systems. Other common services auto locksmiths provide include:

  • Key replacement or duplication
  • Key fob Programming
  • Transponder key programming
  • Ignition repair and replacement
  • Smart key programming
  • Lock repair and replacement
  • Remote key repair
  • Broken key extraction

While auto locksmiths specialize in handling different types of vehicles, do not presume they have the skill to work on motorcycles. Motorcycle keys and ignition have a complex configuration, requiring the touch of a skilled and experienced motorcycle locksmith. Therefore, before hiring any auto locksmith to work on your motorcycle, ensure the person has the required expertise.

Below is the cost range of services provided by auto locksmiths in Aurora:

Key duplication:
$50 - $200
Rekeying:
$100 - $250
Car lockout:
$50 - $100
Key extraction:
$75 - $150
Door lock repair:
$100 - $300
Car ignition repair:
$100 - $250
Changing locks:
$100 - $300
Transponder key reprogramming:
$50 - $150
Keyless fob replacement:
$100 - $350
Key replacement:
$50 - $250
Bike lock change:
$20 - $50
Motorcycle key replacement:
$90 - $280
Car door and trunk lock repair:
$70 - $330
Motorcycle seat lock repair/replacement:
$40 - $150
Motorcycle steering/wheel lock repair/replacement:
$25 - $200
Motorcycle gas cap lock repair/replacement:
$50 - $155
Mobile services (in addition to regular charges):
$50 - $100

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Lock-related issues can occur anytime, but certain circumstances may require a locksmith's services urgently. Some examples of such emergencies include instances when

  • You are unable to access your building or vehicle due to lost keys
  • You need to secure your home after you suspect a break-in
  • Your locks or key are broken
  • You forgot the combination to your safe's locks

If such emergencies occur, hire a skilled locksmith near you. However, not all locksmiths can reach you at any time of the day. Therefore, narrow your search during emergencies by looking for locksmiths that offer 24-hour service or mobile locksmiths. Mobile locksmiths are available round-the-clock and often have a fast response time.

Alternatively, consider the services of digital locksmith brands like KeyMe and Minute Key. These brands operate self-service kiosks where you can duplicate your keys. However, there are a few kiosks around, and you should confirm if there are any in your area. Also, there are concerns about the possibility of data breaches and security compromises.

Make yourself less susceptible to lock-related emergencies that would keep you out of your building or vehicle by:

  • Keeping track of your keys
  • Getting a spare key
  • Installing smart locks
  • Having an emergency locksmith contact
  • Maintaining your locks properly

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Because of the nature of their work, locksmiths generally have access to the most secure areas of your building and your vehicles. In addition to skill and experience, hire someone with a good record who can be trusted. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation allows residents to conduct background and employment checks on locksmiths in Aurora. However, ensure any lock shop you contract adequately vets whoever they send to work with you. Ensure the locksmiths provide their IDs before letting them work on your property.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

By offering warranties, a locksmith ensures locks repaired, retooled, or installed will function properly and as agreed. Locksmiths confident in their craft typically offer warranties, and you should be wary of those reluctant to do so.

Lock product manufacturers often offer customers a one-year product warranty, which differs from a locksmith's warranty. Warranties should be in writing and include terms specifying their scope and validity period. However, warranties do not extend to damage not caused by the manufacturer or locksmith, such as damage caused by:

  • Misuse
  • Negligence
  • Prohibited repairs or modifications
  • Natural occurrences and accidents
  • Not adhering to maintenance directions

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with a Locksmith's Services in Aurora?

Although several legitimate and professional locksmiths operate in Aurora, unscrupulous ones exist. Some notable signs you should avoid hiring a locksmith include

  • Extremely low estimates
  • Requesting significant upfront payment
  • Having a "cash-only" rule
  • Appearing in unbranded vehicles or without uniforms
  • Not having ID and references

If you fall victim to any fraudulent locksmith in Aurora, report to the Colorado Attorney General by filing a complaint online or calling (720) 508-6000. You can also report the incident to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as they may also contact the locksmith to attempt to resolve the situation amicably.