What is an auto locksmith?

Auto locksmiths are highly specialized. Not only will they help you get back into your car if you’ve locked yourself out. They will also repair your car’s ignition switch. And, they can even reprogram your key fob if it’s having problems. It’s now a high-tech job now; they need to be adept in electronics due to all of the high-tech features of today’s cars.

5 tips to consider when choosing an auto locksmith

Please don’t just choose the first car locksmith that you pull up when googling. In the past, you’d have to do a little checking and research to find the best. You’d contact the Better Business Bureau and read reviews online. You’d also check out thumbtack.com to read ratings and reviews for auto locksmiths in your area. And you’d even ask around. Chances are that your friends, family and coworkers have all had to use an auto locksmith at one time or another.

But no longer is it a gamble to choose the right auto locksmith, because it’s no longer a difficult choice. Mach1 offers the best roadside locksmith services around. Just pull up Mach1’s app on your cellphone and choose our lock out service. Mach1 will automatically send a locksmith to your location – our locksmiths are highly trained and know how to fix almost any problem you may have with your car key and locks. You’ll never need to worry that the job won’t be done right. And you’ll always know you’re being charged fairly.

Why choose Mach1?

Mach1 has done away with expensive subscriptions and annual membership fees. Customers no longer need to haggle when they’re looking for services providers for their car. With Mach1, you confirm the price the service provider gives you  before the service begins. And you only pay after the service is complete! Plus, to make it easier for you, you pay with your debit or credit card right through our app.

And, when you use Mach1, you no longer have to wait for hours in a dark parking lot, wondering when or if your locksmith will show up. We use GPS to dispatch our closest service provider straight to your location. We’re sure you’ll agree that this is revolutionary. And all of our locksmiths carry universal lock-out tools. You’ll be safer and more secure with Mach1 and will be on the road quickly!

How much do Mach1’s service cost?

You’ll never pay more that fair market value for our services. We charge the regional average price in the area you are in. When you chose your service from our app, you’ll be able to see the price up front. And then you can approve it with a click.

Who are our service providers?

And, no need to worry; we use a seven-point candidate check to vet our locksmiths and all of our other service providers. Plus, we require that all of our providers carry insurance and have safety practice training. If you’re an honorably discharged veteran and are interested in a career as a locksmith with us, we waive sign-up fees for veterans.

What other services does Mach1 offer?

Take a look at all of the services Mach1 offers:

• Dead Battery – Our jump start service will get your car started if you’ve left those lights on overnight
• Flat Tire – We can change your tire or tow you to a garage to have your tire fixed.
• Mobile Mechanic – If your car is in your driveway but needs a repair, use your app to request service to come out
• Lockouts – Our trained locksmiths will come out quickly, saving you precious time
• Out of Fuel – The next time you run out of gas, order a Mach1 service provider for a refuel.
• Non-Emergency – For oil changes and other maintenance
• Tow Truck – Some repairs need to be done at a garage. In those instances, order our towing service
• Trip Inspection – Mach1 offers you peace of mind. We’ll come out to inspect your car before you go on a driving trip.

Above, we’ve gone over what Mach1 can do for you. And, below, we list 5 tips to help you choose an auto locksmith and help you get back in your car and on your way. And, further down, we’ll discuss what an auto locksmith could charge you for any one of a number of situations you could find yourself in. Even though Mach1 is the best in terms of service, price and speed, if you want to compare the locksmith services from those other guys, here are a few ways:

1) Ask about their standard fees

Locksmiths may charge a standard fee plus additional feels for new keys or repairs. Plus, some may charge for the mileage they have to travel to you.

2) Always ask for an estimate in writing

Look over the estimate before the locksmith begins working to see what is included and what you will be charged for. Don’t pay anything until after the repairs are made.

3) Compare more than one locksmith

Ask your friends and neighbors who they recommend. Do some googling and check out their reviews. Try to do some research before hiring a locksmith.

4) Check for licensing

Not all states require locksmiths to be licensed, but if your state does, make sure your prospective locksmith has one.

5) Be safe, hire local

Per Angie’s List, make sure your locksmith has a local address and phone number. If their website looks shady and doesn’t have a local information, move on to the next prospect.

What is an auto locksmith?

You already know that locksmiths are called to put new locks on a house but no everyone knows that there are locksmiths that concentrate on all things automotive. Instead of replacing locking hardware on the front door of a house, an auto locksmith will come out to your car’s location for a variety of reasons.

Some of the services that an auto locksmith offers include:

Emergency lock-out service – An auto locksmith will unlock your car if you key has broken off in the lock or you’ve locked your keys in the car.

Repair of ignition switch – Auto locksmiths can install, repair or rekey your auto ignition switch

Change of cylinders – An auto locksmith can work on your car’s door lock cylinders, rekeying, repairing, replacing and installing a cylinder.

Our Mach1 auto locksmiths won’t leave you stranded. They’ve trained and perfected their services so that they can give you the peace of mind you need to run your errands, take the kids out and drive to work.

How much does an auto locksmith cost?

Auto locksmith prices can vary due to the make and model of your car. With Mach1 app, you’ll the see the price before you confirm the service.

• $60 to $120 to unlock your car, depending on make and model of your car.
• $50 to $150 to rekey your ignition, depending on make and model.
• $50 to $100 for the locksmith to come to you, depending on how far they are from you.
• $200 to $600 to replace your car door lock, depending on make and model.

How much does it cost to replace a car key?

• $70 to $250 to replace your car key, depending on make and model. An older model car will not have a chip in the key, so it won’t be as difficult to replace.

How much does a locksmith charge to program a key fob?

• $50 to $200 to reprogram your key fob, depending on make and model. Some key fobs are more complicated than others, but Mach1 auto locksmiths can handle them all!

Don’t get locked out in the cold!

If you were wondering ‘what does an auto locksmith do?‘ Well, now you know that an auto locksmith does a lot more than just unlock your car when you’ve locked your keys inside. They’re highly skilled in electronics due to the technological advances on today’s cars and they work on a variety of problems to get drivers back on the road. And the best way to find yourself a great locksmith? Mach1, of course. As we showed you above, Mach1’s service providers are vetted and insured. They won’t charge more than the going rate in your area. And they’ll get you on the road quickly and efficiently. And, we hope the prices we’ve shown you for various issues an auto locksmith will handle will aid you in finding a locksmith you can afford. Now, it’s time for you go start your research. Compare the auto locksmith services out there with Mach1’s revolutionary service. Ask how other services vet their employees. Find out if they encourage veterans to apply to become service providers. And do those other services require customers to bargain to get a good price? Or are they like Mach1, where you always know that the price that you agree on is the going rate in your area? When you weigh all of the important aspects of a great auto locksmith it’s clear as day that Mach1 is the best auto locksmith for all of your auto lock needs. You can’t beat their price, quality of repair and speed.

So, if you are ever in a “I locked my keys in the car” situation, choose Mach1 as your auto locksmith and all of your other roadside assistance needs. They can do it all, from oil changes, to pre-trip checks to jump-starting your dead battery. Mach1’s job-one is to help people get on their way without any hitches. So, download our app today and drive with confidence!

But, remember what your mom told you when you started drive: Always carry an extra set of keys on you!

The post 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing an Auto Locksmith appeared first on Mach 1 Services.

There are several things you can do to avoid this situation or to get help if it happens. If it does happen, it’s important to stay calm. Knowing what your options are ahead of time can help calm the panic if it does happen to you.

What should I do if I locked my keys in the car?

1. Use a spare key

It’s important to always have a spare key. It’s a good idea to leave the spare at your home or with someone you trust that wouldn’t mind bringing it to you in an emergency. 

If you have locked your keys in your car, you know that having a spare with you may get locked in the vehicle as well.

2. Buy a car with benefits

Some cars won’t lock with the power-lock button if the key is in the ignition and a door is open. Other vehicles have a door-mounted keypad that lets you tap in a code to unlock the door. If you drive a vehicle with a telematics system you can call a toll-free number to have your car remotely unlocked. Those systems also offer free apps that let smart-phone owners unlock the doors.

3. Get a temporary key

Your car dealer might be able to make you a temporary key that will open the doors (but not start your car) so that you can retrieve your permanent keys. Most likely, you’ll need your vehicle identification number and proof that you own the car. Not to mention, you’ll need a ride to the car dealership.

4. Call for roadside assistance

Mach1 Services​ is an on-demand roadside assistance app that automatically dispatches help when you need it. We understand the sense of urgency that comes with being locked out and at Mach1 you can order a locksmith with the touch of a button. Then, the nearest service provider will be automatically dispatched to help. Wondering what does an auto locksmith do? Check out that article to find out!

5. Call a tow truck service

A convenient way to get your vehicle unlocked is to call a tow truck service. Knowing the cost for a tow truck and calling the one that is closest to your location can help speed up the process. At ​Mach1 Services​, you can get a tow truck fast with our on-demand and automated app. Once you download the app, simply select the tow truck service and our system will automatically connect you with the service provider closest to you. No more price haggling and the third party coordinating while you wait.

(Find out more information about how to unlock your car with your keys inside with that article!)

Who can I call to unlock my car?

1. Mach 1 Services

At ​Mach1, you can simply use our on-demand app to call the nearest provider to unlock your car. In fact, our system automatically dispatches a provider without a call center coordinating. We offer an on-demand platform and free customer account so you can access our vetted and background checked network without any upfront fees.

The nearest auto locksmith will be assigned and you’ll be able to talk and track their progress to you! Other services we offer are; flat tire changes, out of fuel, tow truck, dead battery, mobile mechanic, trip inspections, and other non-emergency police connection services.

2. American Automobile Association

Some organizations like the American Automobile Association, or AAA, also offer vehicle lockout services. However, there are a few differences. For one, you have to be a pre-paid member with proof of membership at the time the order is placed. They offer an app, but it still goes to a call center for provider assignment. This contributes to the infamous roadside assistance wait times. The provider they send won’t always be the closest.

3. Friends and Family if Available

We all hope we can call a loved one in a time of need. Possibly someone you’ve left a key with would be ideal to come to assist and it may only cost you a free lunch. If no one is available, and for about the cost of lunch, you can try the Mach1 app to find the closest provider to you.

How much does it cost if you lock your keys in your car?

The average cost of a vehicle lockout is usually around $50 – $200 depending on the services you need and the level of work involved. At Mach1 Services, prices vary based on region. You will see an estimated price in the app before you confirm your service. Once your Service Provider helps you, you’ll sign off on the final amount from their device. Prices are based on fair market value, meaning the average price of each service in the region.

Can you unlock your car with the keys inside?

The short answer is ‘it depends’. In most cars, if you exit the car and do not touch any locks (remote, key, or inside doors), the car will remain unlocked even if the keys are inside. However, if you lock the car and accidentally leave your keys inside it is likely that you won’t be able to unlock your car. In most keyless models that use a button to ignite, the car has a proximity sensor which will detect where the key is. If the key is inside the car then it will not allow the car to be opened from the outside. It all depends on which type of car or model you have.

How to choose the best option for lockout service.

You have a few options to choose from when you’ve locked your keys in the car. Leaving a spare key with someone you trust or in an easily accessible spot can save you money, but may not save you time. Pre-paid roadside assistance memberships are an option. You will want to read the fine print before you purchase one as the fine print will often specify hidden charges for certain makes and models. The new way to get lockout services is to use the Mach1 app which has no upfront fees and provides an automated process saving you time and money. We hope you never need it, but we’re here if you do. Safe Travels!

The post What do I do if I locked my keys in the car? appeared first on Mach 1 Services.