TIPS
Tips

Tips on Hiring a Reputable Locksmith in San Antonio

We want our customers to know that when they hire Whitley's Lock & Safe, they are hiring a knowledgeable and skilled professional. Also, we have listed some tips for our customers who own a safe!

A man is fixing a door with a screwdriver.

Don’t Fall Victim to Scams

Unfortunately, there are individuals who pose as legitimate locksmiths. These scammers will generally overcharge you for services and perform unskilled work. Even in an emergency, you should educate yourself before you call for help. A warning sign to look out for is the statement, “Under Same Ownership” (usually found in small print on a large ad). This statement could mean the "company" may operate under several names.  

Before Giving Your Address or Location, Ask the Company for Theirs

Here are some important questions you should ask a locksmith:
  • How long have you been in business?
  • How long have you been operating in this location?
  • Is the locksmith insured? (It is important for the locksmith to have insurance in case your property is damaged during a repair.)
  • Is the locksmith licensed? (Locksmiths are required to be licensed by the state of Texas.)

Ask for an Estimate

Your estimate should include all the work they will do, any replacement parts and any additional fees, including a service call or mileage/trip charge. Even if you’re in a lock-out situation, most legitimate locksmiths will give you an estimate over the phone.

Ask for Identification

  • Driver’s license
  • Business card
  • Locksmith pocket license
  • Invoice
  • If a driver’s license is shown, check the picture, state, and expiration date
  • Ask to see an invoice. Check to see if the name and information match the business card and vehicle.
  • Ask to see their locksmith pocket license

Has the Estimate Changed?

  • Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
  • Do not pay for service in advance.
  • Always ask that parts to be replaced are returned to you.
  • If you are in a lock-out situation, be cautious if you are told that the lock needs to be drilled and replaced. Experienced, legitimate locksmiths have the education and necessary tools that enable them to unlock almost any door without needing to drill.

When the Work Is Completed

Make sure you receive an itemized invoice listing parts, labor and cost of the service call. If you need to dispute a charge, you will need this itemized invoice as proof of how much was paid and exactly what the payment was for. If you believe that you have fallen victim to a locksmith scam, contact your local consumer protection agency for information and assistance. Your state attorney general and the Better Business Bureau can also assist you and help you file a complaint.

You can also contact the state of Texas for any complaints. Texas locksmiths are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau. Complaints may be directed to:

P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0001
512-424-7710
complaints@tcps.state.tx.us

Be Safe with Your Safe

  • Bolt down your safe. Taller safes are top-heavy; when on uneven ground, anyone hanging on the door can tip it over. Children or adults can cause the safe to tip over on them.
  • Keep children away from your safes. They are airtight, and a child can suffocate if they crawl inside and close the door.

Take Care of Your Safe

  • Never spin the dial several times fast. This can damage the dial and prevent you from getting in.
  • Never slam the door on the safe bolt. This can bend the bolt work and prevent you from closing the door.
Situations such as these can be very costly to repair.

Did You Know?

Do you write down your combinations and keep them near the safe? It’s important that you know that a safecracker knows this and will search the room the safe is in to try and find the combination. It is essential that you place your written combo in a very secure place. Another great way to protect your code would be to write it in code. For example, if your combo is 10-25-30, you could write is as 1025 Blue Street, Suite 30.

One of the biggest mistakes a new safe owner will make is to put their new safe paperwork and receipts in their new safe along with their combination. It can be very expensive for a locksmith to come out and get your safe open.

Warranty Information

UL-LISTED, FIRE-RATED BURGLARY SAFES

The AMSEC BF® SERIES offers a unique design that combines all the security features of a burglary safe and the peace of mind achieved with a fire safe. The industry’s first U.L. Listed, fire-rated burglary safe offers an affordable solution when burglary and fire protection are an essential part of your buying decision!

During Underwriter’s Laboratories grueling testing procedures, the BF® SERIES earned the UL-listed Class 350°F One-Hour Fire Label and an E (RSC) Residential Security Container Burglary Label.

BF® Safes Lifetime Replacement Warranty: If your BF® safe is exposed to fire and failed to protect the contents, your BF® safe will be replaced free of charge. Just return the safe freight prepaid to the factory accompanied with the fire report. Contact your dealer for further details

UL Safes Lifetime Replacement Warranty: If your UL safe is exposed to fire and failed to protect the contents, your UL safe will be replaced free of charge. Just return the safe freight prepaid to the factory accompanied with the fire report. Contact us for more details.

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