What to expect when you call Auburn Lock & Car Keys. Step-by-step from your first call to the final invoice — transparent, simple, no surprises.
Calling a locksmith can feel uncertain — especially in an emergency. Here's exactly what happens when you call us, so you know what to expect.
A real local Auburn locksmith answers the phone — not a national call center, not an answering service. We pick up 24 hours a day, every day, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Average answer time: under 30 seconds.
Briefly describe the situation. For a lockout: where you are, what kind of property/vehicle. For a key replacement: year/make/model of your vehicle. For commercial work: type of business, what you need. We'll ask any clarifying questions needed to give you an accurate quote. This conversation typically takes 2-3 minutes.
Based on what you've told us, we quote a complete flat-rate price for the work — including any mileage adjustment for your location. The number you hear is the number you pay. No bait-and-switch, no 'we'll quote on arrival,' no surprise upcharges. If we genuinely can't quote (very rare — usually only for complex custom commercial work), we'll tell you that upfront and arrange an on-site assessment.
If the quote works for you, we dispatch the closest available tech immediately. We tell you the realistic ETA based on your location: Auburn area 15-25 min, adjacent cities 20-40 min, more distant areas 40-95 min. For emergencies, we prioritize.
Our techs drive Auburn Lock & Car Keys branded service vehicles — name and phone number visible. They arrive in uniform with proper identification. If a tech arrives in an unmarked van without identification, that's not us — call to verify.
The tech verifies your identification and authorization to receive locksmith service. For house lockouts: photo ID matching the address (or lease/utility bill if recent). For vehicles: photo ID + registration/title/insurance. For commercial: photo ID + documentation of your role at the business. This protects you against fake locksmith calls used in thefts and burglaries — it's how legitimate locksmiths operate.
Most jobs are completed on-site in 30-90 minutes. Lockouts typically 2-15 minutes once we arrive. Standard rekeys 30-60 minutes. Car key replacements 20-90 minutes depending on key type. Smart lock installations 30-60 minutes. We work efficiently and explain what we're doing.
Pay by credit card, debit card, or cash. The price you pay is the price quoted on the phone. You receive a detailed receipt showing the work performed. For commercial clients with service contracts, Net-30 billing arrangements are available.
We warrant our workmanship for 90 days from the date of service. If our work fails through no fault of yours within that period, we return at no charge to correct the issue. Hardware we install carries the manufacturer's warranty.
The locksmith industry has been damaged for years by scam operations. Here's how to spot the difference: