Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have an important security question? Are you confused about when or if you should call a locksmith and what qualities to look for in a reputable, professional locksmith? We have created this easy questions and answer page just for you!
Just click on the question that most suits your need.
1. Why should I make sure that I hire a licensed, professional locksmith?
2. When should I call a locksmith?
3. Can I schedule a specific appointment time with A-Abbot Locksmith Inc?
4. I just moved. When I signed the lease on my apartment or office, my landlord gave me the key. Why should I pay to have my locks re-keyed?
5. Do I really need to call a locksmith? I think it would be easier to pick up a deadbolt at my local hardware store and install it myself…
6. Why does it seem like the “best” locks are always the most expensive?
7. I have another question related to locksmithing and security but I don’t see it answered here. Where can I go to get an answer to my question?
There are many reasons why it is important to hire a licensed, professional locksmith. First, it is the law in California that all locksmiths are licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Second, during the licensing process, the State of California, the FBI and the Department of Justice collect identification and fingerprint information for each locksmith to ensure that he/she does not have a criminal background. This gives you assurance that the individual you are bringing into your home is legitimate and using his/her craft and skills for your protection. Finally, and unfortunately, there are many individuals out there who are working as locksmiths but are not licensed. Most of the time these unlicensed, inexperienced, unprofessional “locksmiths” are simply trying to earn as much money as possible and therefore will give deleterious and misguided advice. Often these people do not have any real experience or training in the security industry and are motivated by greed. Only a licensed locksmith can give you qualified advice and recommendations regarding security solutions (both physical and electronic) for your home or business.
So don’t be shy. Ask your locksmith for his/her license number. At Abbot Locksmith, we are actively trying to inform and educate our clients about the difference between a licensed (bonded and insured) locksmith and an unlicensed, unqualified
individual.
LICENSED = An individual or company has filed the necessary paperwork with state and/or federal government agencies and received a license to operate as an official business (in this case a locksmith and security company) within that state.
INSURED = An individual or company has purchased liability insurance to protect both the individual/company and their clients against any accidental damage. This is similar to the car insurance that we must have in order to operate a vehicle in the United States.
BONDED = An individual or company is bonded when they pay a nominal fee to a bonding company and, after passing a background check, are guaranteed that should an accident occur, the bonding company will post a certain amount of money in order to rectify the situation and fix the problem. Bonding is similar to insurance, but it is an added measure of protection for the client. Many top-notch industry organizations offer bonding for their members in their respective industries; for example ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) offers bonding to their members (locksmiths).
Did you know that you could conduct your own locksmith license search? To verify the license number of a locksmith, please click here. It is your right to this information and it will help you make a responsible decision when choosing your locksmith.
There are many situations in which it is a good idea to call a locksmith. At A-Abbot Locksmith, Inc. we can provide you with any locksmith service that you need. We make keys for homes, offices and cars. We install security hardware (such as deadbolts) and access control systems. We can give you advice for your particular security need. We can help you gain access to your home, office, or car if you happen to get locked out. You name it, we can help you with it. If for some reason we cannot help you with something, we will work with you to assist you to find someone who can. Your safety is our main concern.
At A-Abbot Locksmith, we are equipped to handle emergency situations ASAP as well as scheduled appointments. We like to schedule appointments within a few hour window. Many customers who work within 20 miles of their homes with will schedule an appointment “Out before 5-PM / Call first 30” which means our locksmith will call 30 minutes ahead so the customer can meet them. This eliminates the need for a customer to spend all day waiting. We value our clients and try our best to keep all of our appointments. However, if for some reason we are unable to keep our initially scheduled appointment time, we will call you and work with you to find another time that suits your schedule. We also understand that there may be times when you need to reschedule. We simply ask that you call in advance (at least 24 hours if possible) to make alternate arrangements.
#4. I just moved. When I signed the lease on my apartment or office, my landlord gave me the key. Why should I pay to have my locks re-keyed?
We get this question often. The answer is that you don’t know how many other people have a copy of the key to your home or office. Who was the previous tenant? How many copies of the key to your place are floating around out there? It is the best and safest idea to pay the nominal amount of money it costs to simply rekey your locks. This is done easily and quickly and does NOT require you to change the entire pieces in your place. “Rekeying” simply means that our technician changes the pin configuration within your locks. He will also ensures that all your locks are clean and in good working order. After this, your old key will no longer and you will be provided with a new key. So you can have a safe, new start.
#5. Do I really need to call a locksmith? I think it would be easier to pick up a deadbolt at my local hardware store and install it myself…
The answer is that most people are probably capable of installing their own security hardware. That said, the selection of security equipment and locks at your local hardware store are generally more low end products offering standard security at best. In order to get quality security hardware (such as locks, deadbolts, and padlocks) it is a good idea to call your favorite, licensed, local locksmith. At A-Abbot Locksmith, Inc., all our technicians are up to date on the latest security technology and will help you decide on the hardware or system that best suits your lifestyle, professionally install it for you, and ensure that you know how to operate it properly. Your safety is the most important thing to us.
"You get what you pay for" so it makes sense to, “Do it right the first time!”
Year after year, you pay for homeowners insurance. MULTLOCK you only pay for once!
Say your house is worth $950,000 and you spend $1500 to install the best locks money can buy to protect it.
YOU WILL HAVE ALLOCATED LESS THAN 1/4 OF ONE PERCENT TO INSURE YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY!
In the big picture of California real estate prices, this one time cost for protection and peace of mind …is NOTHING!
We would be happy to answer your question via email at office@abbotlock.com.
Or, you can give us a call at 714-974-1800.