Quick answer: pick someone who is licensed in Western Australia, actually makes keys for your make of car, comes to the car, gives you the price before they leave, and is a real local business with a name and reviews behind it. Five questions on the phone sort that out in a minute.
When you’re standing next to a locked car in a car park, you’ll ring the first number Google gives you. That’s how people end up with a call centre that sends whoever is nearest and charges whatever they like. This is what we’d tell a mate to check.
1. Are they licensed in Western Australia?
Locksmiths in WA are licensed by WA Police as security agents. Ask for the licence number and expect a straight answer. Ours is 43591 and we carry the card. A business that dodges the question is telling you something.
2. Do they actually do your car?
Not every locksmith makes keys for every car, and the honest ones say so. We cut and program keys for all Japanese cars, Hyundai and Kia, and most American cars including Ford and Holden. We open any car, including European and Chinese makes, but we don’t make keys for those. Ask “can you make a key for a 2019 Ranger” and listen for a clear yes, a clear no, or a fudge. See car makes we cover and European car lockouts.
3. Do they come to the car?
A proper automotive locksmith is mobile. The van carries the key blanks, the cutting machine and the programming gear, so the job happens where the car is. If someone wants the car towed to them, you’re paying for a tow you don’t need.
4. Do you get the price before they leave?
With the make, model, year and key type, a real locksmith can give you a firm price on the phone, including any after-hours loading. “We’ll see when we get there” is how the bill doubles. If the price changes once they see the car, they should explain why before starting.
5. Are they a real local business?
Look for a business name that matches the invoice, a local mobile number, reviews with real names and suburbs, and a website that says who runs it. Be wary of ads with no company name, a “from $” price, and a call centre that can’t tell you who’s coming. Those are lead sellers, not locksmiths.
What to have ready when you call
Make, model and year. What kind of key it is (plain, remote, push-button). Whether you still have a working key or they’re all gone. Exactly where the car is. And your ID, because a genuine locksmith will ask to see it and something that ties you to the car before making a key.
Common questions
Should I call the dealer or a locksmith?
For Japanese, Korean and most American cars, a mobile locksmith is usually quicker and cheaper and comes to you. For European and Chinese cars, the dealer is the right call for keys; a locksmith can still open the car.
Is a locksmith-made key as good as a dealer key?
It’s cut to your car and programmed to your car’s computer, the same as the dealer would do. It does the same job.
Can a locksmith damage my car opening it?
Not if they know what they’re doing. We use tools made for the job and we don’t damage your car. See car lockouts.
I’ve lost every key. Is that a bigger job?
Yes, because there’s nothing to copy from, but it’s a job we do every week. See lost all your car keys.
Need a car locksmith now?
Call 0427 580 823Send an enquiry
Full details on the car locksmith page. North of the river, see Joondalup.