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

Chesapeake-based locksmiths need a state-issued license before offering their services to locals. Check for this before hiring. Consider the following factors when considering which locksmith to hire in Chesapeake:

• The locksmith's rates
• The urgency of the job
• The locksmith's location and availability

To guarantee your work is handled efficiently and correctly, hire the correct type of locksmith. Depending on your situation, you will need the services of a traditional locksmith or an auto locksmith. Traditional locksmiths focus on buildings, while auto locksmiths focus on vehicles.

Always call on the services of a locksmith if you find yourself in any of these situations:

• You need to repair your locks
• You need to re-key your locks
• You need your locks changed
• You need to upgrade your locks
• You need to make duplicate keys

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Chesapeake?

Any individual who wishes to install, rekey, repair, open, modify, or originate keys for locks in Chesapeake must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Individuals in Chesapeake wishing to obtain DCJS-issued licenses must meet specific criteria, including the following:

• Be at least 18 years old or above
• Pass a criminal background check
• Be a citizen of the U.S

You can verify your prospective Chesapeake locksmith's license status using the DCJS's license verification tool. Always do this before hiring locksmiths in the city, as DCJS licensing usually shows competence and professionalism in providing services. You can contact the DCJS at (804) 786-4700 for more information on its licensing requirements for Chesapeake-based locksmiths.

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

A typical locksmith job in Chesapeake costs an average of $50 - $250 depending on the nature of the service you require (whether house, car, or safe-related) and other factors like:

• Your location
• The lock type
• The time of day
• The complexity of the task
• The urgency of the situation

To protect yourself against being overcharged by a dishonest locksmith, consider contacting up to three locksmiths and comparing their rates before hiring.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Chesapeake locksmiths offer various services, from installing high-security locks in residential and commercial buildings to cutting and copying keys. Listed below are commonly requested locksmith services in Chesapeake and the average price range:

Always confirm your intended locksmith is equipped to offer the specific services you require and agree on the cost before any work starts. Doing this helps reduce misunderstandings down the line.

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Chesapeake?

Auto locksmiths provide locksmith services specifically for cars, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles, making them the right choice for tasks like:

• Ignition repair
• Trunk reopening
• Unlocking car doors
• Broken key extraction
• Lock repair or replacement
• Key replacement or duplication

Nevertheless, always confirm your intended auto locksmith's specialization before hiring. In cases that involve motorcycles, confirm the auto locksmith is equipped to offer motorcycle-related locksmithing services. Motorcycles require special equipment to cut new keys because they have a different coding system from other keys.

Listed below are estimated costs for commonly requested auto locksmith services in Chesapeake:

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Any lock-related incident that requires the services of a locksmith can be considered an emergency. However, some situations - like those mentioned below - often require immediate attention:

• You suspect a break-in
• Your key broke inside the lock
• You have misplaced your keys
• You are locked out of your home or vehicle
• You need to change your locks after a burglary
• You have forgotten the combination to your safe

Having a reliable and qualified locksmith close to your location who can offer assistance is crucial. Mobile locksmiths (locksmiths who operate mobile workshops) are a good option to consider in emergencies, as their business model affords them client-oriented benefits like:

• 24/7 availability
• A faster response time
• Better accessibility to remote locations
• Little to no towing fees for auto emergencies

Be aware that emergency locksmith services attract an extra fee, regardless of whether you contact a mobile or non-mobile locksmith.

Self-service locksmith brands like KeyMe and MinuteKey are another option to consider for locksmith emergencies. These companies offer digital key copying and duplication services that can come in handy in a lockout. However, their effectiveness is limited by the availability of a self-service kiosk near you. There is the risk of a data breach exposing your keys to unauthorized parties.

You can minimize the occurrence of lockouts and other locksmith-related emergencies by following these preventive actions:

• Use lockboxes
• Get spare keys
• Install smart locks
• Save the contact details of at least two trusted nearby locksmiths

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Chesapeake locksmiths must undergo a criminal background check by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) before they can be issued a license. However, even though hiring appropriately licensed locksmiths assures you of their legitimacy, it is advisable your preferred locksmiths also vet their employees. Professional locksmith companies in Chesapeake often carry out the following types of background checks on their employees:

• Criminal history checks
• Credit checks
• Civil record checks
• Driving record checks
• Random drug screenings
• Previous employment verifications

Always confirm with your prospective locksmiths whether they conduct background checks on their employees. This gives you the assurance that only trustworthy professionals will be sent to your location, lowering the risk of burglary, theft, and other related crimes.

Ask for the name and identification of the locksmith coming to you, and ensure the description matches who shows up before granting them entrance to your home or vehicle.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

Warranties assure you that a locksmith's services will be delivered professionally and function as intended. Confirm you'll be offered these warranties negotiating locksmith services in Chesapeake. Professional and reputable Chesapeake locksmiths typically offer two types of warranties:

• A workmanship warranty that covers any defects or errors caused by their work
• A manufacturer's warranty covers any defects and issues with the installed locks (or other products used for the job). These warranties are usually valid for about a year

While the specific terms and conditions of these warranties differ by locksmith and product, locksmith warranties generally do not cover damages caused by:

• Natural disasters
• Unauthorized repairs
• Improper lock installation
• Misuse, vandalism, or negligence

For this reason, it is crucial that you request a written copy of your warranty and review its terms and conditions carefully.