FAQ
Plain answers, no scripts.
The questions customers across greater Los Angeles, Ventura County and the Bay Area ask before calling. If yours isn't here, call the dispatcher and ask.
- Price range on the phone
- Written quote before work
- Workmanship warranty on installs
- ID and ownership checks on every job
Bonded & insured
Serving Greater Los Angeles, Ventura County, Silicon Valley & the Bay Area
Live dispatcher right now
(888) 492-0666
Bonded & insured
certificate on request
24/7 live dispatch
a person answers, day or night
Written quote first
before any work starts
Mobile service
we come to you
Non-destructive entry
drilling only as a last resort
Quick answer
What do customers ask most before hiring a locksmith?
The most common questions are about timing (the dispatcher gives an ETA for your address on the call), pricing (a range on the phone, a written quote on site before any work), which car keys we can program (most makes and model years, confirmed by year, make and model), how to avoid scams (license number, written quote, technician ID) and whether we are bonded and insured. Call (888) 492-0666 with any question; dispatch is live 24/7.
- Phone
- (888) 492-0666
- Hours
- 24/7, including holidays
- Pricing
- Range on the phone, written quote on site
- Warranty
- Workmanship warranty on installations
- Credentials
- Bonded & insured
FAQ
Top locksmith questions
How fast can you really get to me?
It depends on where the nearest technician is and on traffic at that hour, so the dispatcher gives you an ETA for your address on the call instead of a blanket number. If anything changes on the way, you get an update.
What does a typical lockout cost?
The dispatcher quotes a range on the phone based on the lock type, the time of day and the distance. Once the technician has looked at the lock, you get a written quote, and you don't pay anything until you approve it. We don't quote one number on the phone and a different one on site.
Is there a trip charge or after-hours fee?
Ask the dispatcher whether a trip or after-hours charge applies to your address before anyone is sent. The range you get on the phone includes it, and the technician's written quote on site is what you pay. Be wary of any company advertising a very low service-call price; those usually grow on site.
What car makes can you cut and program keys for?
Most makes and model years: Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Ford, GM, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Mazda, VW, Mini, Volvo and more, including push-to-start smart keys. Some late-model luxury makes require dealer authorization or a minimum number of existing keys, so the dispatcher confirms your year, make and model when you call.
Can I rekey a lock instead of replacing it?
Yes. If the lock is in good condition, rekeying is faster and cheaper than new hardware and it invalidates every old key. We rekey to existing or new keys and can match most locks in a home to a single key.
What if I'm locked out at 2am?
Call (888) 492-0666. Dispatch is live at any hour and will send the nearest technician with an honest ETA. Have your photo ID and something showing your address ready; the technician verifies you live there before opening the door.
Do you handle commercial properties?
Yes. Property managers, restaurants, retail, medical offices and industrial properties across our service area. Master key systems, panic bars and exit devices, access control, file cabinet locks and safe service are all available.
Are you bonded and insured?
Yes. One & Only Locksmith is bonded and insured. A certificate of insurance is available on request for HOAs, property managers and insurance claims.
Do you offer warranties?
Yes. Installations carry a workmanship warranty: if something we installed fails because of how it was installed, we come back and fix it. Manufacturer warranties on hardware pass through to you.
How do I know I'm not getting scammed?
Ask for the company name and California locksmith license number, get a price range on the phone, insist on a written quote on site before any work, and expect the technician to show ID. If a technician opens with "we'll have to drill it" before inspecting the lock, get a second opinion.
Can you install smart locks and access control?
Yes. Smart locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, August, Kwikset Halo, Level), commercial access control (card, fob and mobile credentials), keypad locks and Bluetooth locks are all installed and serviced. We help you pick hardware that fits the door and your existing setup.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay. You receive an itemized receipt by email, useful for insurance claims, expense reports or property-management records.