Locks & Security FAQs
Express Locksmiths Houston
Below is a collection of Locks & Security FAQs that we at Express Locksmith have collected to help educate readers about our business and industry.
Q: Are you really open 24/7?
A: Yes! We really are open 24/7 to take care of emergency situations. We aren’t even closed for Christmas or New Years! Appointments are preferred — even if it’s only a couple of hours in advance, we can schedule appointments in the middle of the night if that’s the most convenient time for you.
Q: Will I be charged for the service call if the locksmith can’t get me in?
A: No. There are exceptions in rare circumstances, but we will spell them out before we come out.
Q: What kind of payments do you accept?
A: At Express Locksmith we accept all major credit and debit cards as well as cash. Due to the nature of the work we complete, we are unable to accept personal checks. For commercial jobs, we offer billing and accept business checks for repeat customers. The first time we complete service at a commercial location we require a debit, credit, or cash payment in order to form a good faith business relationship. We are constantly trying to offer more payment options for our customers, so continue to check back for updated information.
Q: What happens if I call for a mobile locksmith, but once they arrive, I don’t agree with the price?
A: With Express Locksmith you can cancel service during the initial call and no charges will apply. If you agree to the call out and when our locksmith arrives they assess the problem you’re having and how to best fix it for you. If the problem is more complicated than you originally thought, they will offer you a range of solutions so you can choose the most affordable option. You’ll be handed a written quote to sign before any work begins. If you choose not to proceed, you’ll only be charged the minimal call-out fee. And if you change your mind later, you can always call us back — the second call-out fee is waived.
Q: Can you bill my insurance company?
A: If your insurance company covers locksmith services you can submit the receipt to them for reimbursement. The only insurance we work directly with is American Home Shield. For covered services, American Home Shield customers only pay their co-payment — the balance is paid by American Home Shield directly to us.
Q: I just bought my house and it came with an American Home Shield Warranty. I was told I only had to pay you my $75 copayment for re-key my house.
A: That’s correct. We will re-key 5 keyways and give you 4 house keys per our contract with American Home Shield. All of your locks must be the same keyway (type of key) to be keyed alike. If your locks differ, we’ll review the options American Home Shield offers at that time.
Q: We purchased a new house and it didn’t come with an American Home Shield Warranty, should we get new locks/keys?
A: If you don’t know who has a key to your home, you’re potentially at risk. We can evaluate your locks and re-key them to save money instead of replacing everything. A previous housekeeper, babysitter, or family member might still have a key. If you’re unsure, we recommend re-keying or replacing locks entirely. Call us for a quote and we’ll help you find the most affordable solution for your needs.
Q: I want all my doors in the house to open with one key. Is this possible?
A: Yes! If one key fits into all your locks, we can simply re-key them to match.
Q: Do I need to change my locks or just need my existing locks re-keyed?
A: Changing locks means installing an entirely new lock. Re-keying means keeping your existing locks but changing the key that works with them. Most of the time, you just need your locks re-keyed.
Q: What if I can’t verify that the car/house/office is mine or I should be in there?
A: It depends. If you have identification inside, we’ll contact the police to be present. The officer decides if we can proceed. If you cannot provide proof or authorization, we will not be able to help you.
Q: I would like all the locks in my house to open with one key, and I’d like a key that my gardener can use to get in the backyard and nothing else. Is this possible?
A: Yes, that’s called Master Keying. If your locks are all the same brand, we can create a master key system that allows your main key to open all locks, while specific keys (like for a gardener or cleaner) only open designated doors.
Q: I’m renting an apartment (or house). Should I re-key the locks?
A: Check with your Property Manager to see when the locks were last changed. If they don’t know, it’s safest to re-key or replace them — even for rentals. Always get your landlord’s approval first; they may even cover the cost!
Q: Will my lock still work after you open it?
A: Yes, picking a lock does not damage it. The only exception is if the lock is damaged or must be drilled — then it will need replacement. Drilling is rarely necessary.
Q: Do locksmiths have a “master” key that fits all locks?
A: No. A “master” key only works on locks specifically designed for it.
Q: Is it cheaper for me to supply the locks?
A: No. Cheaper locks from hardware stores are often poor quality, may not fit, and can’t always be re-keyed to match existing locks. We’ll work with your budget to find secure, affordable options.
Q: What is Master Re-keying?
A: Master re-keying allows one key (the master) to open multiple locks while individual keys only open their assigned locks. It’s ideal for landlords, managers, and commercial properties. All locks must be from the same manufacturer for master keying to work properly.
Q: What is a high-security lock?
A: High-security locks restrict key duplication and offer superior protection against break-ins. Call us to discuss affordable high-security options.
Q: What should I do if I lost my car keys?
A: You can call your dealer or Express Locksmith. We make replacement car keys on-site, including programming transponders and erasing lost keys from your vehicle’s system. We also offer discounts for duplicate keys made at the same time.
Q: What should I do if my key broke off in the lock?
A: Call Express Locksmith. We can extract the broken key and make a new one on-site, usually much cheaper than towing your car to a dealer.
Q: I have a new car. It has some kind of security device built into the key. Do I have to go to the Dealer to get a copy?
A: No. In most cases, Express Locksmith can make and program your key for 15%-30% less than the dealer — and we come to you!
Q: What is a Proximity Key?
A: Proximity keys — also called Smart Keys, Keyless Go, Push to Start, Keyless Entry, or Intelligent Keys — are all handled by Express Locksmith. We can make and program them for most vehicles.
Q: How do I find the least expensive place to get a spare key made for my car?
A: Be cautious buying cheap keys online — they often don’t work. The cost of a replacement depends on your vehicle and key type (OEM or After-Market). Express Locksmith is typically 15%-30% cheaper than dealers and we come to you!
Q: Can I have a key made to get into my ex’s car to get my own keys out of it?
A: No. You must provide proof of ownership or authorization to access the vehicle or property before we can help.
Q: Our house came with an American Home Shield warranty to have our house re-keyed. You are listed as one of their locksmiths. What area do you cover?
A: Our contract with American Home Shield is for the following cities/zip codes:
Houston: 77007, 77008, 77009, 77013, 77014, 77016, 77018, 77022, 77026, 77028, 77032, 77037, 77039, 77040, 77041, 77043, 77044, 77049, 77050, 77055, 77060, 77064, 77065, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77073, 77076, 77078, 77080, 77084, 77086, 77088, 77090, 77091, 77092, 77093, 77095, 77429, 77433, 77373, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77386, 77388, 77389, 77391, 77338, 77345, 77346, 77396, 77301, 77302, 77303, 77304, 77306.
Cypress: 77429, 77433.
Spring: 77373, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77386, 77388, 77389, 77391.
Humble: 77338, 77345, 77346, 77396.
Conroe: 77301, 77302, 77303, 77304, 77306, 77384, 77385.
Willis: 77318, 77378.
Tomball: 77375, 77377.
Magnolia: 77354, 77355.
Beaumont: 77701, 77702, 77703, 77705, 77706, 77707, 77708, 77713.
Porter: 77365.
New Caney: 77357.
Splendora: 77372.
Cleveland: 77327, 77328.
Batson: 77519.
Saratoga: 77585.
Sour Lakes: 77659.
Liberty: 77575.
Crosby: 77532.
Huffman: 77336.
Devers: 77538.
Hull: 77564.
Highlands: 77562.
Mont Belvieu: 77523, 77535.
Wallisville: 77597.
Hankamer: 77560.
Winnie: 77665.
Hamshire: 77622.
Rose Hill Acres: 77657.
Rose City: 77662.
Lynchburg, McNair, Coady: 77521.