No one likes being locked out of their home, business or vehicle, but it happens more often than you might think. And you have to be prepared if you want to handle it properly (or avoid it happening to you in the first place). 

1. Avoiding Residential Lockouts

Getting locked out of your own home is a frustrating experience. It may seem like an uncommon occurrence based on how much time people spend at home, and their resulting familiarity with their home locks. You would think this familiarity would help mitigate locking oneself out of their own home! But people manage, so you’re not alone if it happens to you. Here are some tips for avoiding residential lockouts:

• Invest in keyless technology: there are locks today that you can open using just a combination or other device instead of an easy-to-lose key.
• Keep a smart spare: you can have a spare key ready for these situations, just make sure you’re smart with where you hide it and who knows of its existence.
• Hang up a lock box: a hybrid solution between a key, and combination, if you hide one of these, you can have peace of mind knowing only you have the code to access it.

2. Avoiding Automotive Lockouts

While home lockouts may be one of the most frustrating lockout experiences, automotive lockouts can be one of the scariest. After all, you’re often away from home, and can be in a potentially unsafe situation or unfamiliar part of town (or the country). Here are some tips for avoiding automotive lockouts:

• Upgrade your locks: you have fingerprint, combo or digital entry options.
• Get new keys: if you still have a standard key, upgrading to a fob or proximity key might be a wise investment. (Especially modern models that don’t lock inside the vehicle.)
• Never lay keys down while on the go: always make a point to put them in something, like a pocket, purse or keep them in your hand.

3. Avoiding Commercial Lockouts

Lastly, getting locked out of a business isn’t uncommon. Just one instance of this can impact the peace of mind of both employees, and customers. Here are some tip for avoiding commercial lockouts:

• Get a master key system: upgrade your entire security situation and control who has access to what areas of your facility.
• Perform a security audit: call a professional locksmith and have them do an inspection to see if there are any issues that could leave you more prone to a lockout.
• Have a spare key created: the simplest approach is to have a spare key made, and give it to the person who is second in charge.

If you have any security questions or are interested in upgrading the security of your home, vehicle or business, stop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth A-1 Locksmith locations today.

Replace Car Fob Batteries

First off, if you enter your car using a device that has batteries, make sure they’re charged before winter has fully arrived. Batteries tend to die in colder weather because they require a higher charge to function properly. But you can ensure they’re working properly if you’re confident they’ve been replaced recently. 

Lubricate Locks

Keys get stuck in locks during winter months, and your vehicle’s keys are no exception. If you’ve had a history of cold-weather auto lockouts, and/or are concerned about it happening in the future, you can lubricate your locks with a spray lubricant to give you peace of mind. Other, solutions that heat up the lock (e.g. lighter, hair dryer) can work after the key is already stuck, but applying regular lubrication can help you avoid the frustrations that come with an auto lockout in the winter.

Replace Old Keys

Similar to the first point about replacing batteries, if you know any of your physical keys are old or worn down, it might be a good idea to replace them proactively. Look for signs of rust, age, cracking or inconsistent function and replace any that are suspicious. 

Keep a Locksmith’s Number Handy

A locksmith can help you replace locks, and key fobs, but it’s also a good idea to keep a trusted locksmith’s phone number saved in case you’re locked out of your car during the winter. As long as there isn’t an emergency situation, they’re the quickest and best option to address your situation. They can also give you tips on preventing the lockout from happening again. 

Carry a Spare

A spare key is another good option for those who regularly experience auto lockouts of keys stuck in the locks of their vehicles. Just as you would with a spare house key, you can give one to a trusted neighbor or friend, or keep it in a secret area of your purse or wallet.

Prepare, Just In Case

Finally, make sure you know what to do if you need an emergency locksmith in Dallas-Fort Worth. There are resources (like this blog) that provide best practices for different situations, as well as steps to take during a locksmith emergency. Do your research, just in case! If you’re interested in more auto security tips, stop by any of our A-1 Locksmith locations in Dallas-Fort Worth and we’ll be happy to help.

This is especially true when it comes to your house, vehicle or business. Even the best of us can get locked out on occasion. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix these situations (and prevent them from happening in the first place). Here are a few tips for the next time you’re locked out.

Tips for When You’re Locked Out of Your Car

Getting locked out of your car is a stressful situation, so we won’t distract you with details about why this happens, how often and so forth. Let’s get straight to the tips:

• Call 911 if anyone is in danger. This includes people in, and out of the car. If everyone is safe, move on to these other tips.
• Make sure you can’t access the vehicle. Check all doors, the trunks, and any possible access points.
• Think of backup key locations. Are they with a friend, family member or at home?
• Attempt a DIY access. This isn’t a recommendation as it can often make the problem worse, but attempting to enter your car while locked out in a DIY manner is possible. The difficulty varies by vehicle make/model, and can often cause damage that will have you regretting the decision. With that said, this is an option we wanted to keep on the list and one that is worth considering depending on your situation and experience level.
• Call roadside assistance or a professional locksmith. Professionals can travel to your location to tow your car or unlock your vehicle.

Note: breaking in whether via a window or destroying a lock is not an option we’d consider.

Tips for When You’re Locked Out of Your House

We’ll do the same thing for getting locked out of your house. Here are some tips for when this happens to you:

• Call someone you know. For both safety purposes, and to help find a spare key.
• Utilize technology. Open the door or garage remotely if you have an app connected.
• Look for access points. Just be aware you will look suspicious to onlookers.
• Remove the door knob – Other DIY: If you can get your hands on tools, you may be able to remove a door knob and certain locks. Given your familiarity with your home, you may explore other DIY options here as well, but as with the auto DIY access, this is on our list of tips more because it’s an option than recommendation.
• Call a professional locksmith. While you may not want a surprise cost from having been locked out of your home, you may be surprised how much you’ll save in terms of time as well as cost to just pay professionals to do their job. 

Tips for When You’re Locked Out of Your Business

Lastly, here are some tips for when you’re locked out of your business:

• Think through solutions. As a business owner, you likely have several backup, and alternate entry options. Also consider how several of the above tips might apply here.
• Call a locksmith. You might want to do this earlier than other scenarios on this list, as downtime affects your bottom line.
• Prevent future lockouts. Install a master key system, access control system or another security solution to prevent lockouts.
  

If you have any other locksmith-related questions, be sure to give us a call or stop by any of our DFW-area locations, and a professional team member will help you.

Whether you’re locked out of your car on the side of the road or you broke your only house key in the middle of the night, there are a variety of emergency locksmith situations that are best handled by someone experienced with a cool head. Here are seven of the most common ones we’ve seen.

1. House Lockout

One emergency situation we see often is when you’re locked out of your home. This often happens when you don’t have access to a cell phone or other keys, and can be especially problematic if anyone is still inside (particularly young children). As long as a 911 call isn’t warranted, an emergency locksmith can handle this situation in a jiffy.

2. Auto Lockout

Likewise, an emergency locksmith can travel to your location if you’re locked out of your vehicle. This can be annoying if it’s at your home or business, but it’s more dangerous when it happens on the side of the road. Get to a safe distance from traffic before you call a professional.

3. Business Lockout

People get locked out of their businesses just like they do their homes. While many businesses have backup keys, and access points, this can create an emergency situation if there are time urgencies resulting from needing to open your business on time or from having an immediate need to access something inside.

4. Broken/Lost Key

Keys break for a variety of reasons, but it usually happens while the key is inserted into a lock, thus breaking off and rendering the lock temporarily unusable. Unless you’re a lock-picking expert, call an emergency locksmith to get a new key, and access the lock again. 

5. Broken Lock

Similar to the above situation, locks can break just like keys. But it’s more difficult to fix a broken lock than retrieve a broken key, so consider giving a professional locksmith a call before a DIY repair attempt (especially if it’s timely). 

6. Access to Important Items

If you have a safe, drawer or other area where you keep important items/documents, an emergency locksmith may be a good solution if you can’t access them. This is especially true if you need to use the items or documents the same day.

7. Safety/Security Concerns

Finally, other scenarios can benefit from the convenience of having an emergency locksmith check it out. For example, you might be on vacation and are alerted to a security concern. Or, you might see signs of a burglar’s attempt to enter your home or vehicle. Either way, immediately changing out locks or keys can give you peace of mind, even when you aren’t there physically.

If you’re in need of an emergency locksmith, contact A-1 Locksmith today!

Whether your car broke down on the side of the road, you’re at the beach because of high temperatures or you simply travel with children frequently, certain scenarios increase the likelihood of locking your keys in your car. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

At the Beach

Wait, the beach? What does water and sand have to do with keys? Well, it has more to do with high temperatures, and the fact people are trying to cool off at the beach, pool or another body of water. People don’t want to swim with their keys, and risk losing them (or damaging them) and leaving them with their towels means someone else can steal them. So, many people leave them in the car, which is the perfect example of scenarios we’re highlighting. Instead, consider investing in a waterproof wallet or key holder.

With the Kids

Traveling with children brings all sorts of complications in itself (e.g. bathroom breaks, arguing, etc.). But it’s also a scenario when you might lock your keys in your car, especially if your child handles them at any point. Children don’t have as much life experience, and might not know the risks of losing keys or locking them in the vehicle. Try to educate them about the importance of keeping keys safe, and be sure you have tabs on your keys at all times.

During a Breakdown

Stress can cause us to do things we wouldn’t normally do. When your car breaks down, it’s definitely a stressful situation. Many people end up locking their keys in their car after their car strands them on the side of the road, meaning they might have to call an auto locksmith to get them out (as well as a tow truck to move the dead vehicle). Try to calm yourself during these situations, and keep your keys with you as much as possible.

These are just a few scenarios when you might lock your keys in your car. If you ever find yourself in one of these situations, be sure you have the A-1 Locksmith number on hand. Give us a call at (972) 284-7500 if you have any questions or are interested in auto key services.

When you lock your keys in your car, it can be tempting to panic. But there are several things you can try to unlock your car yourself. We’ll go over a few of these, as well as when it makes more sense to call the police or, more commonly, a professional auto lockout service.

When to Call the Police

For starters, survey the situation and determine whether it’s an emergency or not. If there are children or pets in the vehicle, you might need to call 911 or do something drastic like break the window. This is especially true if it’s hot outside. Or, your car could be in a precarious situation, such as a crime-ridden area or on the railroad tracks. Either way, if time is of the essence, give the authorities a call before trying to unlock it yourself or calling an auto lockout service.

When and How to Unlock Your Car Yourself

Next, decide whether it makes sense to unlock your car yourself. (We’re going to assume here that you don’t have a spare key. If you do, now’s the time to use it. If you don’t, get one made while you can.) As long as you own the vehicle, and accept that there may be damage as a result of your efforts, you’re fine to try. (You may also look like a thief, so keep that in mind as well.) Here are a few ways to unlock your car when you don’t have a key:

• If the locking mechanism unlocks by pulling up, you can use your shoestring to tie a small loop, and pull it up.
• If the car is near your home or you have a wire hanger on hand, you can make a hook that goes inside the weather stripping and unlock the mechanism.
• A screwdriver can help you pry open the door wide enough to access the door locks with a long rod (or other instrument). 
• Other methods may also work: Slim Jim’s, inflatable wedges, strips of plastic, tennis balls, and so forth. But again, you might look like a thief.

If none of these work (or you’re tired of trying or don’t want to risk potential damage to your vehicle), it might be time to call a professional to handle it instead.

When to Call a Professional

An auto lockout service can get your car unlocked in a jiffy, and is likely a better option than trying to unlock your car yourself. Not only do these professionals know what they’re doing, they have advanced equipment that can unlock your car, replace lost keys, and even repair broken locks, and doors. At A-1 Locksmith, we even meet you at your location promptly, and are bonded, insured, and monitored by GPS.

The A-1 Locksmith team is always ready when it comes to auto lockout services. Keep our number (972-284-7500) on hand when you need them!

Whether you’re heading out for a vacation or hosting a Fourth of July party, here are some ways to avoid an unexpected residential lockout this summer.

1. Maintain Existing Locks

Hundreds of homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex alone need to have their locks repaired (or new locks installed) every week. Why? Like many depreciable items in your home, locks can break. If this happens while you’re out in the hot summer heat, you may not be able to get inside. Whether it’s your deadbolt, lock cylinder, strike plate or a broken key inside your lock, a reputable locksmith company can make sure your locks, and its components are in tip-top shape.

2. Safely Store Spare Keys

If you have an extra set of keys, you can store it in a safe place by your home. The mailbox and under the mat are NOT safe places. Instead, try to think of a place where burglars wouldn’t typically look, such as a fake rock. Or, better yet, give an extra set of keys to a neighbor, friend or family member you trust. Then they’ll be able to help if you get locked out of your home.

3. Have Extra Keys Made

So what happens if you don’t have an extra set of keys? Well, get some made, of course! The best locksmiths can create, and duplicate house keys of any type. Whether it’s for your front door, mailbox, side door, car, garage or anything else with a lock, an extra set of keys can come in handy. Then, you can stash it safely or give it to a trusted person, as mentioned in the previous tip.

4. Invest In a Smart Lock

If you already have an extra set of keys hidden safely, and all your locks are maintained, maybe it’s time for an upgrade? By installing a smart lock that can only be accessed via a combination, Bluetooth device or multi-tool, you’re not only adding convenience — you’re giving yourself peace of mind as well. You can even choose the level of security you’d like with your new lock, so it really is a smart decision.

If you’re in need of residential lockout services in Dallas-Fort Worth, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.

Great. Now what?

This is a common problem. After all, four million Americans lock their keys in their car annually. But with summer coming up, chances are higher that you might get locked out of your car while on vacation in an unfamiliar area. If that happens, here are your options:

1. Get the spare key, if you have one.

If you have an extra key on hand now is the time to get it. Don’t have one? A local locksmith can cut and/or program extra keys so you don’t have to worry about this problem in the future. Better safe than sorry!

2. Evaluate your surroundings.

If you don’t have a spare key, your first step is to get familiar with your surroundings. If you need to call the police or your insurance company, you’ll need to give them as much relevant information as you can. So take note of nearby roads, landmarks, and where your vehicle is located. If there’s a gas station nearby, they may sell tools needed to unlock your vehicle.

3. Determine whether you need to call 911 or not.

If you’re in a threatening situation, such as an abandoned road or sketchy part of town, you may need to call the police. This is especially true if a child or pet is locked in the vehicle. If it’s a hot day, you may even want to consider breaking the side window of your vehicle to get them out. It’s partially a judgment call, but the 911 dispatch officer should be able to give you further instruction.

4. Call your insurance agency or warranty company.

If it’s not an emergency situation, you may have roadside assistance services with your insurance agency or the company that manages your vehicle’s warranty. Just keep in mind that this option will likely require a waiting period, and your vehicle might just end up having to be taken away by a tow truck.

5. Call a local locksmith.

Your best option might be to call a local locksmith. The right one will send an experienced, licensed team member to your location and provide emergency lockout services. Furthermore, the best locksmith companies can even work with your insurance company so that you don’t have to pay for the locksmith’s services. Either way, a locksmith is trained to deal with these situations.

If you’ve been locked out of a car in Dallas-Fort Worth, be sure to give A-1 Locksmith a call at 972-284-7500  and we’ll help you out right away.

Enter the need for a locksmith and their handy, ever-ready lockout services.  But before you grab the phone to dial up the first $19 special you come across online, there’s a few things you should know about flat-rate fees that could help an annoying scenario from becoming a nightmare of extra costs, fees, and poor results.

What You Get for $19

What cut-rate locksmith companies often fail to tell you when it comes to lockouts is that they $19 fee only pays for the initial call.  Sure, getting the locksmith to your home or auto is important, but doesn’t exactly cut it if you want to gain access to your locked-out property.  Once the locksmith is on site you’ll often be charged additional fees far greater than the initial $19 hook.

The Bait and Switch Game

This $19 initial fee is often a form of bait and switch, designed to get unwary customers to pony up big fees, many times far in excess of what you would have paid a professional locksmith that disclosed their costs up front.  By the time the company is on site, customers have already paid the initial $19 call fee, and companies use this knowledge to ratchet up the price of their services, playing on the fact that customers won’t want to wait for another company or be out what amounts to a deposit on the actual cost of a lockout.

Individual Locks Equal Individual Pricing

The reason flat-rate pricing doesn’t work for most lockout cases is that each scenario is different when it comes to the service that must be provided to help gain access to your property.  Deadbolt types, car doors, and alarms, and various other locking mechanisms all need to be assessed for the proper amount of work and materials needed to complete the job.  While professional locksmiths strive to keep their prices reasonable across the board, it’s often difficult to provide the same rate to clients with wildly varying lockout situations.

Quality, Experience, and Professionalism Cost Less in the Long Run

As you can see, going with the initial low-cost savings plan may not work out in the long run when it comes to hiring a locksmith for your lockout needs.  That $19 investment buys you nothing more than a locksmith’s trip out to you and often ends up costing you more than a call to a professional locksmith company would at the outset.

In addition, experienced, and professional locksmith companies show up on time with the tools they need to get the job done, and offer 100% customer satisfaction guarantees to ensure that the work performed is exactly as requested.  If you’re in need of lockout services or general locksmith services, call A-1 Locksmith for all your security needs.  Our licensed, and bonded technicians will ensure you gain access to your vehicle, home or property, and provide complete detailed estimates, and invoicing for all work performed.  With A-1 Locksmith, you can rest assured knowing the safety of your home, and family is in the hands of experienced professionals.

Also, we offer a flat-rate lockout fee that is all-inclusive, and surprise free.

What happens, however, if you don’t use keys to enter your car, but instead use a key fob or, some other, sort of keyless entry? Is there any way for you to regain access to the interior of your vehicle?

Don’t worry if you find yourself locked out with keyless entry. To be sure, you’re only one of many individuals throughout the nation who have suffered the same fate.

Key Fobs Not the Answer to Being Locked Out of a Car

Ultimately, key fobs were widely adopted, in part, to ensure that vehicle owners had a much smaller chance of locking themselves out of their cars. Of course, just like a pair of keys, it is fairly easy to accidentally lock a key fob inside of the vehicle. Unlike traditional keys, however, many modern key fobs are often designed to allow for the car to be unlocked as long as they are within a certain range. Here, then, an individual may lock a key fob within the car, yet still open the door due to the fob’s proximity to the computer.

Unfortunately, like anything with batteries, the key fob may eventually fail to work, leaving these vehicle owners locked out. And this certainly is not a rare occurrence; a 2013 report from AAA asserted that millions of motorists still find themselves locked out, even those who utilize smart keys.

As such, it is important to realize that if you have been locked out while using a smart key or key fob, you’re not alone. In this situation, however, it is imperative that you contact a professional locksmith to regain entry immediately.

How A-1 Locksmith Can Help

How can you ensure that you will still retain access to your car, even if you have been locked out with keyless entry? By contacting a professional with A-1 Locksmith, you can receive the assistance of a locksmith, often in less than 25 minutes, and be on your way home. Our mobile technicians carry in their trucks all the equipment necessary to replace both traditional, and chip or transponder keys, meaning that you’re never without help, even if you’re locked out. And, we offer this service at a cost not available at any local dealership.

So if you find yourself locked out with keyless entry somewhere in the Dallas area, don’t panic. Instead, call us today at A-1 Locksmith and we’ll be on our way in minutes.