Honest answers to the questions Surrey residents and businesses ask us most — from lockout costs and response times to how we handle strata buildings and car key programming. If something isn't covered here, just call.
Our average arrival across Surrey is around 22 minutes from the time you call. That time can vary based on your location and traffic — reaching Clayton Heights or Port Kells during peak hours will take a bit longer than a callout to Guildford or Newton. We'll give you a realistic estimate when you phone, not a number we can't back up. If it's an emergency, call us directly so we can dispatch the nearest available technician right away.
Yes. All our technicians hold valid BC Security Worker Licences covering locksmith work, as required under the Security Services Act. We carry full liability insurance for both residential and commercial jobs. You're welcome to ask for credentials on arrival — any reputable locksmith will show you without hesitation. If a locksmith you call can't produce a licence number, that's your cue to phone someone else.
We're transparent about it: yes, there is an after-hours rate applied to calls outside regular business hours (evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays). We tell you the rate on the phone before we dispatch, so there are no surprises on the bill. The same applies to any job where parts or hardware are needed — we quote the part cost upfront. We don't do "variable pricing" based on how desperate you sound.
We cover all of Surrey — City Centre, Newton, Guildford, Fleetwood, South Surrey, Cloverdale, Panorama Ridge, Sullivan, Port Kells, and Clayton Heights — plus White Rock, Langley, Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen, Aldergrove, and Walnut Grove. If you're not sure whether your address falls within our territory, call and we'll confirm on the spot.
Call us, tell us your address, and we'll dispatch the nearest available technician. When we arrive, we'll verify that you're the resident (a piece of mail at the address, a lease document, or a neighbour who can confirm) — that check protects you as much as it protects anyone else. We then open the lock non-destructively wherever possible. For a standard deadbolt or knob lock, the job typically takes a few minutes once we're on site. Prices for a residential lockout in Surrey typically range from around $75 to $150 depending on time of day and lock type.
Yes, in almost all cases. Modern automotive lockout tools — slim jims, air wedges, and long-reach tools — let us open the majority of cars without leaving a mark. We work on domestic and import makes from compact sedans to trucks and SUVs. The rare exception is a heavily weatherstripped or reinforced door where we'll warn you of any risk before we attempt entry. We never recommend breaking a window when a proper lockout tool will do the job.
Broken key extraction is a standard service. We use hook picks and extraction tools to remove the key fragment without damaging the lock cylinder in most cases. If the lock cylinder is worn to the point where extraction causes further damage, we'll tell you before we proceed — and we always carry common replacement cylinder sizes on the truck so you won't be left without a working lock. Extraction typically costs less than a full lock replacement.
Rekeying is usually the right answer — it costs less, takes less time, and gives you the same security as a new lock because the old keys simply stop working. We reset the pin tumblers inside the existing cylinder so only new keys operate it. The only reason to replace the whole lock is if the hardware is worn out, you want a higher security grade, you're switching brands, or you're adding a smart lock. For a standard Surrey condo or townhouse after a tenancy change, rekeying is what we'd recommend. We can do it same day in most cases.
Yes. Strata rekeying and master key work is a significant part of what we do in Surrey, particularly in Guildford, Fleetwood, and South Surrey where there's a high concentration of multi-unit buildings. The strata council or property manager authorizes the work, we assess the existing keyway, and we either rekey to a new master system or integrate with the existing one. We'll put together a written scope before we start so the council knows exactly what's being done. See our strata rekeying guide for more detail.
It depends heavily on the vehicle. A basic mechanical key for an older car can be cut for a modest cost. A transponder key that needs programming runs higher — typically in the $150–$300 range depending on make and model. Push-to-start proximity fobs for newer vehicles can run from around $250 up to $450 or more for luxury makes where the OEM part is expensive. We carry a wide range of blanks and programming equipment on the truck and can handle most jobs on-site without a dealership visit. Our car key cost guide breaks it down by vehicle type.
Not for the vast majority of vehicles on the road in Surrey. Mobile locksmiths with the right EEPROM and OBD programming equipment can cut and program keys for most makes — Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, and many others — at your location. Dealerships typically charge more and require you to tow the car in if it won't start. The exceptions tend to be very new models where the OEM limits programming access to authorized dealers, or certain European makes with proprietary software. We'll tell you upfront if your car is one of those.
We give you a verbal quote on the phone before dispatch and confirm it when we arrive — before any work starts. The quote covers labour and any parts we know you'll need based on what you describe. If we open the door and discover the issue is different or more involved than described, we tell you the revised cost before continuing. You're never committed to a final charge until you've agreed to it. We accept credit card, debit, and e-transfer.
If you cancel before we dispatch, there's no charge. If we're already en route and you cancel, or we arrive and you decide not to proceed, there may be a small trip fee — we'll state that policy clearly when you book. It's not a common situation and we're not going to ambush you with a large fee for changing your mind. Just be upfront with us on the call and we'll be upfront back.
Every job covered by a licensed Surrey technician — no subcontractors, no waiting a week.
Mobile service across Surrey and into White Rock, Langley, Delta, and beyond.
Pick-, drill- and bump-resistant cylinders with keys that can’t be copied at the hardware store. Cut, pinned and registered in-shop.
Residential Security Container (RSC) burglary classification: a key-locked security container designed to provide entry…
Car keys are priced by vehicle. Pick what you need and we’ll collect your make, model & year to text you an exact quote.