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

There are no state or city licensing requirements for locksmiths operating in the Kansas City area. However, an indicator of a locksmith's credibility is certification by a reputable association to have the skill to offer your needed service. Other factors to consider before hiring a locksmith include:

• The locksmith's reputation
• Whether the locksmith holds valid insurance and bond
• The locksmith's availability and location
• The locksmith's rate and billing style

Likewise, your needed service determines the type of locksmith you may hire. Most locksmiths are either traditional or auto locksmiths. Traditional locksmiths work on building locks, while auto locksmiths work on vehicle security and keys. Some auto locksmiths offer vehicle ignition repair services. Unique situations in which you may need either locksmith include:

• You are locked out of your building or car
• Your lock is damaged
• Your key is broken, lost, or stolen
• You need to change your locks or make duplicate keys
• You experience car ignition issues

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Kansas City?

While locksmiths in Kansas City are not required to obtain a professional license, they improve their skills and credibility through certifications from reputable associations. Examples of these associations include:

• The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (ALOA)
• The Professional Locksmiths of America (PLA)
• The Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL)

These associations offer training and certifications across different locksmithing specialties. For example, the ALOA offers certification for traditional locksmiths, specializing in safes and vaults, auto locksmiths, and electronic locksmiths. Likewise, the PLA offers certification for general locksmiths and auto locksmiths.

Verify certification claims from your preferred locksmith. You can do this by requesting their proof of certification and confirming with the certifying association or agency.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Locksmith Services in Kansas City?

On average, Kansas City locksmiths charge between $22 and $26 per hour for their services, with a typical job costing between $50 and $300. How much your service may cost depends on factors, like:

• The type of service
• The time of the day
• Your location
• The urgency of the service
• The complexity and type of the lock (whether house, car, or safe)

Therefore, it is advisable to compare estimates from different locksmiths before settling on your preferred choice. This will help you determine the average cost for your needed service, avoid unscrupulous locksmiths with unreasonable rates, and know other necessary considerations.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Locksmiths in Kansas City offer many services, with certified locksmiths providing more specialized services. These services include key duplication, lock rekeying, key extraction, deadbolt installations, and safe opening. Listed below are commonly requested locksmith services in Kansas City and the average price range for these services:

Before hiring a locksmith, confirm their specialization and that it aligns with your needed service. You can do this by requesting evidence of previous work or checking their certification. Likewise, agree on rates, billing types, and work milestones, as this will help avoid common misunderstandings and disputes on the job.

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Kansas City?

Many locksmiths in Kansas City offer auto locksmith services. This involves working on vehicle locks, keys, and general security. Such vehicles include cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. Examples of specific auto locksmith services include:

• Ignition repairs
• Car lock repairs, replacement, or rekeying
• Key extraction and duplication
• Transponder key programming
• Ignition switch replacements
• Laser key cutting
• Trunk reopening
• Unlocking doors

If you own a motorcycle, confirm your preferred auto locksmith has motorcycle-related skills and experience. This is because motorcycle locks and repairs involve additional considerations. There is specialized equipment for cutting motorcycle keys, and these keys have a coding system that is different from other vehicles. Likewise, motorcycle ignition systems differ from cars. Without the right skills, your locksmith may complicate the issue. Preferably, hire a motorcycle locksmith in such a situation.

Cost estimates for commonly requested auto locksmith services in Kansas City are provided below (always confirm that your intended car locksmith or motorcycle locksmith has ample experience working with your specific vehicle make and model):

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Emergency locksmith situations are instances when you need the services of a locksmith urgently, especially for your safety, or when time is of the essence. Such instances include when:

• You are the victim of or suspect a break-in
• You misplaced your keys, or they broke in the lock
• You cannot remember your lock combination
• You are locked out of your vehicle or home
• Your vehicle ignition develops a fault

In such cases, you need the services of a credible locksmith near you to help address the situation. However, not all locksmiths are available 24/7. In such instances, consider hiring mobile locksmiths, as they typically have:

• 24/7 availability
• Necessary work tools on them
• A faster response time
• No problems accessing remote locations

You may prepare against such emergencies by having spare keys, contacts of reliable nearby locksmiths, or using self-service locksmith options like MinuteKey and KeyMe. These self-service brands offer digital key copying services and access to a pool of locksmiths. Potential data breaches are one of the downsides to such services.

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Although there are no general legal requirements for employers in Kansas City to conduct background checks on potential or active employees, doing so is advisable. It helps to verify the reputation of such employees and whether they have a questionable history that could affect their ability to offer their services. Employers mostly conduct criminal background checks, with additional checks such as:

• Credit check
• Driving records checks
• Drug test and drug history checks
• Previous employment checks
• Identity verification

When working with a locksmith company, confirm they have conducted background checks on their employees. Ask for proof, as this helps reduce the likelihood of having a potential criminal in your home. Ensure any locksmith working on your property provides a valid ID before you let them in.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

A warranty is an assurance your requested service, whether it be lock installation, repair, retooling, rekeying, or similar services, will be up to standard and to your satisfaction. Such warranties are usually written and contain remedies you are entitled to if the work falls below standard. Always request warranties from your locksmith, as they ensure the quality of your work.

Warranties are usually of two types:

• Manufacturer warranty
• Workmanship warranty

A manufacturer warranty covers the actual lock that will be installed or its working parts, while a workmanship warranty covers the locksmith's services. Each warranty period and terms vary by manufacturer or locksmith. However, most warranties have exclusions, which refer to defects the warranty does not cover. They typically include issues caused by:

• Natural disasters
• Improper installation, use, or maintenance
• DIY repairs
• Vandalism

Always request a written and signed warranty document from your locksmith so you are clear on the terms and coverage of the warranty they are offering.