Getting locked out of your home or business is more common than we would like to admit. Whether you went out in a hurry and forgot your keys or simply lost them, you must solve the problem fast.
You can experience different lockout scenarios, and even if you haven’t been locked out of your home yet, it’s still a good idea to learn about them. Knowing potential lockout situations will definitely help you avoid them.
Let’s look at the frequently asked questions surrounding home lockouts and how the many locksmiths of America can help you solve the problem if you’re in a hurry.
What Can Cause a Home Lockout?
First, let’s evaluate all the potential reasons for needing locksmith services. While we’ll focus on home lockouts, remember that this can also happen in the case of company, car, or garage door lockouts. Also, consider home system & security camera installation services for increased safety of your home and property.
Here’s what can cause a home lockout:
1 – Lost Keys
Lost keys are the main reason for getting locked out of your residential property. Sometimes, we storm out of our homes to save some minutes, which can either cause us to leave the keys inside or forget where we put them.
On the other hand, you may take the key out of your home but then forget the location of where you last placed it. In any case, losing your key can cause a big problem, but it’s nothing that residential locksmith services can’t fix.
2 – Stolen Keys
If you lost your keys and swear you knew where you had them, they may have been stolen. This is a severe problem to face, as not only will you have to call locksmiths to fix the problem, but you may also need to change your home security systems to prevent the thief from getting inside.
Thankfully, most residential locksmith services can help you deal with your home lockout and security system at the same time. Make sure you look for locksmiths with positive reviews and that are also near you.
3 – Damaged Keys
Keys get worn out due to constant usage. We may not notice, but as the years pass, your keys will start breaking and getting weaker, reaching a point where they may not engage the lock mechanisms as efficiently.
In more severe cases, your keys may break while turning them inside your locks. If this is your case, you may want to consider professional locksmith services. They will be able to provide you with everything you need to get the broken key out of the lock and get a spare.
4 – Damaged Doors and Locks
Whether you got locked out from a residential or commercial building, the problem isn’t always a faulty key. Sometimes, your locks can get broken from the inside, and your doors could get out of their frame, making it much harder for you to get inside your property.
If this is the case, professional locksmith services will help you repair your locks/doors. On the other hand, if you need an installation service, then the locksmith will also offer a solution that fits your goals and budget.
5 – Faulty Security Systems
Other home security systems may not even use keys but rather voice recognition, fingerprints, etc. While these new and smart systems are great, they can also fail. A professional locksmith in your area will help you.
Even if you have a smart security system, a great way to prevent yourself from getting locked out is to have a spare key reserved for these cases. Most smart systems still come with a manual lock, so as long as you have your spares, there’s nothing to worry about.
In any case, hiring locksmith services will be the best way to ensure you solve the issue as fast as possible.
What Should You Do in Case of a Lockout?
A locksmith service will do wonders in getting you out of a lockout situation. These professionals know all the safety and procedural guidelines to follow when fixing security systems or dealing with a broken/missing key or a faulty door lock.
The best home locksmith service will solve any lockout situation in a matter of minutes. As soon as you call these professionals, they’ll identify the problem and come up with the best strategy to tackle it.
Should You Try to Fix the Problem Yourself?
It depends on the case. If you lost your keys but have a spare, you can easily enter your home without any issues, as long as there’s nothing wrong with your locks. On the other hand, if your locks are damaged, you will still need to request a locksmith service.
Dealing with lockout problems yourself isn’t always a viable option. Trying to fix the problem without any experience could lead to:
- Broken locks
- Damaged (but repairable) locks
- Damaged doors
Any of those outcomes will make your house more vulnerable, especially if the problem happened at night. As long as you notice there’s something wrong with your lock or key, look for locksmith services; they’ll save you from a lot of headaches.
How Can a Locksmith Help You?
A residential locksmith service will bring you a lot of benefits, regardless of the problem you have with your locks and keys.
These benefits include:
- Getting your lock repaired or replaced in record time.
- Replacing your worn-out or stolen key.
- Guiding you on the best practices to keep your current lock system in good shape.
- Giving you advice on which locksmith services you should consider to make your home security safer.
Home locksmith services providers are often easy to contact. Most companies will have a website with a section called “Contact Us” or something similar. Then, you’ll ask the professionals for a quote, and they’ll get started with their services as soon as possible.
Make sure you only work with locksmiths that have years of experience and preferably that work 24 hours a day. That way, you ensure you’re saved even if you get locked out in the middle of the night.
How much does a locksmith cost, though? It depends on the company, its experience, and the services it offers. You can expect the average locksmith to charge about $50-$150, but if you have a more severe problem with your lock system, for example, you may have to pay more.
In any case, the benefits of hiring locksmith services greatly overcome the risks of getting locked out trying to fix the problem yourself. If you’re ever in trouble, call a locksmith; it’s the best choice to make.
Do Locksmiths Help with Car Lockouts Too?
Yes! If you lose your car key or it breaks while you use it, calling a locksmith near you will be the best option. An auto locksmith can handle every service you may need surrounding your vehicle, including:
- Car key replacement service
- Car key extraction service
- Car key duplication service
- Lock repair/lock replacement service
- General car lockout service
Some professionals can deal with all your locksmith needs at the same time, so you can talk to your residential or commercial locksmith of preference if they work with the specific service you want.
If you want a more detailed and complex service for your car, then you may need to hire a specialized car locksmith.
How Can You Prevent Future Lockouts?
There are many ways you can prevent future lockouts. While commercial, home, and auto locksmith services can save you in emergencies, you will not want those problems to happen again.
Some of the measures you can take include:
- Making multiple copies of your keys (car keys, house keys, garage door keys, etc.) to unlock your door safely in case you lose your original ones or get them stolen.
- Hiding your spare keys somewhere safe and accessible.
- Storing your house key spares in your phone case.
- Switching to a smart lock system for your house.
- Creating a mental checklist for when you have to leave home.
- Having a professional locksmith on speed dial.
- Considering a new lock installation if your current one is too old.
Bottom Line
Not many things are more obnoxious than getting locked out, but thankfully, licensed home locksmith services providers can help get rid of that problem fast.
Make sure you only consider professional companies with years of experience; that way, you ensure a smoother and more efficient experience. If you just got yourself into a lockout situation, call now, and let a professional home locksmith help.