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

Locksmiths in Milwaukee are not required to possess an occupational license before providing services to the residents. However, most locksmiths in the city pursue training courses and attain certifications from esteemed organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America. Other factors to consider when looking for a locksmith include:

• Local reputation and the type of work they can handle
• The locksmith's rates
• The availability and current location of the locksmith
• The urgency of the situation

Always seek the services of a suitable locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. Usually, You will need to get a traditional or an auto locksmith, depending on the situation. Auto locksmiths usually focus on car-related lockout issues, while traditional locksmiths focus on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Milwaukee?

There is no mandatory occupational license for locksmiths in Milwaukee offering services like key installation, repairs, opening, rekeying, and modification. Nevertheless, individuals running a locksmith business must obtain a business license from the Milwaukee Office of the City Clerk License Division.

Nevertheless, you should hire a locksmith who has been certified by reputable organizations like

• The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
• The Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL)
• The Institutional Locksmiths Association
• The Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA)

When interacting with a locksmith with certifications, verify their claim with the issuing organization to validate its authenticity. Also, the Office of the City Clerk License Division can help you learn more about licensing requirements for locksmith businesses in Milwaukee when you contact the office at (414) 286-2238.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Locksmith Services in Milwaukee?

In Milwaukee, locksmiths charge around $30 to $65 per hour. They can charge per lock, though with a flat fee. Nevertheless, a typical locksmith job would cost around $50 to $200 depending on the nature of the service, whether it's house or car repairs, and other factors such as:

• Trip fees
• The lock type
• The time of day
• Your location
• The complexity of the task
• The urgency of the situation

Thus, before you hire a locksmith in Milwaukee, it is essential that you get and compare estimates from at least three locksmiths to avoid getting overcharged. Also, be wary of locksmiths offering lower rates than their competitors, as dishonest individuals usually use these to trick customers.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Most locksmiths in Milwaukee offer many services, such as key cutting and duplication. They can also install high-security locks on commercial and residential buildings. Listed below are some of the most common locksmith services that people in Milwaukee request and the average price range for these services:

Before you hire a locksmith, make sure that you thoroughly confirm their specialization and expertise. Also, agree on the estimated cost of the services you need before signing any contract. This will help minimize disputes and misunderstandings after completing the work.

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Milwaukee?

An automotive locksmith is a specialist who provides services for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They are highly skilled at handling vehicle-related tasks, including:

• Unlocking car doors
• Lock repair or replacement
• Trunk reopening
• Key replacement or duplication
• Key fob programming
• Ignition repair
• Broken key extraction
• Door actuator replacement

Ensure the company you hire for auto locksmith services has the expertise and equipment to handle motorcycle repairs. Even if you have the original motorcycle key, having the right tools and expertise to cut new ones is important. This is because the codes for motorcycle keys have a distinct system compared to other vehicles.

Below are cost estimates for various auto locksmith services commonly requested by car and motorcycle owners in Milwaukee:

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Lock-related issues are categorized as emergencies, although some situations require more immediate attention, like when:

• Your key breaks inside the lock
• You have misplaced your keys
• Your house just got robbed
• You locked your keys inside your home or car
• You suspect a break-in
• You need to change your locks after a burglary
• You have forgotten the combination to your safe

Having a licensed and reliable locksmith on standby during emergencies is essential to address any issues you are experiencing quickly. When it comes to emergency locksmith services, remember that additional fees are usually involved.

Mobile locksmiths can also be helpful in these types of situations. These locksmiths mainly operate out of mobile facilities and provide various benefits, including:

• Faster response times
• 24/7 availability
• Better accessibility to remote locations
• Minimal towing fees for auto emergencies

You can sign up with a self-service locksmith company like MinuteKey or KeyMe, which provides digital key duplication and copy services. This service has disadvantages, such as data breaches and limited access to self-service units for key duplication.

Some of the preventive actions that can help prevent situations such as lockouts and other locksmith-related emergencies:

• Get spare keys
• Use lockboxes
• Install smart locks
• Save the contact details of at least two trusted nearby locksmiths.

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Locksmiths obtaining a business license from the Milwaukee Office of the City Clerk License Division must pass a criminal background check. Nevertheless, before hiring a locksmith in Milwaukee, ensure they have passed a background check and vetted all the locksmiths working alongside them when providing locksmith services. Besides conducting criminal background checks, professional locksmiths in Milwaukee also carry out various checks on their employees, including:

• Civil record checks
• Credit checks
• Random drug screenings
• Driving record checks
• Previous employment verifications

When choosing a locksmith, ensure they thoroughly check their employees' backgrounds. This prevents potential thieves from operating on your property. Also, before giving a locksmith access to your vehicle or home, request their name and description and ensure they have a valid ID corresponding with it.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

When dealing with Milwaukee locksmiths, confirm you are getting valid warranties on your lock repairs or installation. The professionals in the city offer two types of warranties:

• A manufacturer's warranty covers the defects and issues that can occur with the locks. Typically, this type of warranty is valid for a year.
• A workmanship warranty covers the errors and defects of a locksmith.

Different terms and conditions apply to different products and services by the manufacturer and the locksmith. However, locksmiths' warranties do not cover damages that are caused by

• Improper lock installation
• Misuse, negligence, or vandalism
• Unauthorized repairs
• Natural disasters

We recommend you request a copy of your warranty to understand its terms and conditions.