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VC & SD COUNTIES
Open Daily • MOBILE SERVICE •
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VC (805) 765-3717SD (619) 349-9224
CA BSIS License LCO #7134 Fast Response Locksmith
57 ANSWERS FROM A LICENSED PRO

FULL-SERVICE MOBILE LOCKSMITH
Ventura County

Residential, commercial, automotive, safe, and emergency locksmith services across all of Ventura County. Based in Oxnard, on-site fast. Licensed, insured, and equipped to handle any lock, key, or security job at your door.

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Tap any category to expand. If you don't see your question, call or text us and we'll get you a straight answer.

PRICING & COST6
How much does car key replacement cost?

Pricing depends on your vehicle and key type. Standard transponder keys run varies by service. Smart keys and proximity fobs range from varies by service. We give you an exact flat-rate quote on the phone before we dispatch.

Is there a trip fee or service call charge?

No. Our quoted price includes mobile service to your location. No hidden fees, no trip charges.

Can the price change after you arrive?

No. Our Price Lock Guarantee means the quote on the phone is what you pay. Period.

Why are you cheaper than the dealership?

No storefront overhead, no service writer, no parts department markup. Our mobile model passes the savings directly to you. Most customers save significantly compared to dealer pricing.

Do you charge more for weekends or evenings?

No. Our pricing is the same every day we are open.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES8
Can you make a key if I lost all my keys?

Yes. We can originate a new key from scratch using VIN decoding, lock decoding, and diagnostic programming. No existing key needed.

How long does car key replacement take?

Most jobs are completed quickly at your location. Complex vehicles with advanced security may take slightly longer.

Do you come to my location?

Yes. We are a fully mobile locksmith. We come to your home, office, parking lot, or roadside. Anywhere your car is, we go.

Can you program a key fob I bought online?

Yes, as long as it's the correct part number for your vehicle. We verify compatibility before programming.

Do you handle push-to-start / smart keys?

Yes. We replace and program smart keys and proximity fobs for all major brands including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Chevy, BMW, and more.

Can you fix a stuck ignition?

Yes. We diagnose and repair or replace ignition cylinders on-site. Most ignition jobs are done in under an hour.

Do you extract broken keys?

Yes. We use professional extraction tools designed to remove broken key fragments without damaging the cylinder.

What vehicles do you service?

All major makes and models from 1995 to 2027. Domestic, import, and luxury. We also handle motorcycles.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES7
What does it mean to rekey my locks?

Rekeying changes the internal pins inside your existing lock so old keys stop working and new keys are cut to fit. The lock hardware stays on the door. It costs less than a full replacement and works great when the locks themselves are still in good shape.

Should I rekey or replace my locks when I move into a new home?

Rekey. You have no idea how many copies of the existing keys are floating around from previous owners, contractors, cleaners, or neighbors. Rekeying all exterior doors is the fastest and most affordable way to secure a new home on move-in day.

Can you rekey all my locks to use one key?

Yes. We rekey every lock on the property to work with a single key. Front door, back door, side gate, garage entry. One key for everything.

Can you install a deadbolt on a door that doesn't have one?

Yes. We install new deadbolts on most standard doors. If the door needs to be prepped for the bolt and strike plate, we handle that on-site.

Can you open my front door without damaging the lock?

In most cases, yes. We use non-destructive entry methods first. If the lock is damaged or can't be bypassed without drilling, we explain that before we touch anything.

I'm going through a divorce. Can you rekey so my ex's keys won't work?

Yes. Rekeying is the standard move in that situation. Once we rekey, all previous keys are dead. New keys only go to whoever you authorize.

Someone broke into my home. Should I rekey or replace the locks?

If the locks are damaged, we replace them. If the locks are intact but the keys were compromised, rekeying is faster and more affordable. Either way, we recommend rekeying or replacing all exterior doors after a break-in, not just the one that was targeted.

COMMERCIAL SERVICES5
What is a master key system?

A master key system lets you control access across multiple doors with different levels of authority. Each employee gets a key that only opens their assigned doors. Managers get a key that opens a broader set. You get the grand master that opens everything. We design the system around your building layout and access needs.

Can you rekey my office after an employee leaves?

Yes. We rekey the specific doors that employee had access to. If you have a master key system, we adjust the affected positions without disrupting the rest of the system.

Do you install and repair panic bars and exit devices?

Yes. We install, repair, and replace panic bars and exit devices on commercial doors. All work is done to meet fire code and ADA requirements.

Do you work with access control systems?

Yes. We install and service electronic access control including card readers, keypads, and fob-based entry. We can also integrate electronic access with your existing door hardware.

Can you do a security assessment of my building?

Yes. We walk through every entry point, evaluate your existing hardware, identify weak spots, and give you a clear set of recommendations with pricing. No obligation.

SAFE SERVICES5
Can you open my safe if I lost the combination?

Yes. We open safes using non-destructive methods whenever possible. If the lock requires it, we use precision drilling that targets the lock mechanism, not the safe body. Most safes can be repaired and reused after we open them.

Will drilling ruin my safe?

No. Professional safe drilling targets a small, specific area near the lock. After the safe is open, we replace the lock and patch the drill point. The safe goes right back into service.

My electronic safe keypad died. Can you still open it?

Yes. Dead batteries are the number one cause of electronic safe lockouts. Many units have an external battery port or override key slot. If yours doesn't, we have other methods to get you in without destroying the safe.

I'm handling an estate and there's a safe with no combination. Can you help?

Yes. We open estate safes regularly. We verify your legal authority (executor paperwork or probate documents) and open the safe using the least destructive method possible.

Why does safe work cost more than a regular lockout?

Safe work requires specialized tools, training, and liability coverage beyond standard locksmith equipment. Pricing reflects the complexity and the skill required, not just the minutes on-site.

SMART LOCKS3
Can you install a smart lock on my existing door?

Yes. Most smart locks are designed to fit standard door preps. We verify compatibility with your door, handle the install, and make sure everything pairs and functions properly before we leave.

Are smart locks as secure as traditional deadbolts?

Quality smart locks from brands like Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset use strong encryption and meet the same ANSI/BHMA security grades as traditional deadbolts. The weak point is usually a bad password or outdated firmware, not the lock itself.

What happens if my smart lock battery dies?

Most smart locks warn you for weeks before the battery dies. If it does go dead, most models have an external emergency power port or a physical key backup. We recommend swapping batteries at least once a year.

EMERGENCY & LOCKOUTS4
I'm locked out of my house. How fast can you get here?

Response time depends on your location and current call volume. Call or text for a real-time ETA. We prioritize lockouts because we know you're stuck.

What if a child or pet is locked inside?

Call us immediately. We treat these as urgent priority calls and respond as fast as possible.

Do I need to be home for a lockout, or can someone else let you in?

We need someone present who can verify ownership or residency. A spouse, roommate, or authorized person with valid ID works. We can't let a stranger into a property without verification.

What should I do while waiting for the locksmith?

Stay near the property and keep your phone handy so we can reach you when we arrive. Don't try to force the lock open yourself. That usually causes more damage and makes the job harder.

SCAMS & HIRING A LOCKSMITH3
How do I know if a locksmith is legit in California?

Every locksmith in California must hold a valid BSIS license. Ask for the license number and verify it at search.dca.ca.gov. Look for a real business address, marked vehicles, and consistent branding. If they can't give you a license number, call someone else.

What are the red flags of a locksmith scam?

Watch for prices that sound too good to be true ($19 lockout ads), no BSIS license number on the website or invoice, cash-only payment, unmarked vehicles, vague or changing quotes, and a phone greeting that doesn't include a real company name. Legitimate locksmiths give you a clear price, show up in a branded vehicle, and hand you a receipt with their license number on it.

Why do some locksmiths quote one price and charge way more when they show up?

That's called bait-and-switch. They advertise a low "service call" fee, then pile on labor, hardware, drilling, and after-hours charges once they're on-site. Our Price Lock Guarantee means the quote on the phone is what you pay. No surprises.

RENTAL & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT2
I manage rental properties or Airbnbs. What's the best lock setup?

Keypad or smart locks with changeable codes are ideal for rentals and short-term properties. You change the code between guests or tenants without calling a locksmith every time. We install and configure these systems.

Can you set up a keyless entry system for a multi-unit building?

Yes. We install keypad and electronic access systems for multi-unit properties. Each unit gets its own code or credential, and you control the master access. No more chasing down physical keys.

TRUST & CREDENTIALS5
Are you licensed?

Yes. We hold California BSIS Locksmith License LCO#7134. We are fully licensed, insured, and background checked by the state.

Are you insured?

Yes. We carry comprehensive liability insurance through State Farm, protecting both our team and our customers during every service call.

Do you have reviews?

Over 100+ five-star reviews on Google. We're also rated 5 stars on Yelp, A+ on BBB, and were named a 2022 Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite.

Why should I trust you?

We are BSIS licensed (LCO#7134), BBB A+ rated, and fully insured through State Farm. Over 100 five-star reviews on Google speak for themselves. We also give upfront quotes with no hidden fees.

Do you need proof of ownership?

Yes. As a licensed locksmith, we verify vehicle ownership before providing key services. We may ask for registration, title, or photo ID matching the registration.

SCHEDULING & AVAILABILITY4
What are your hours?

We're open 7 AM to 9:30 PM daily. After-hours emergency dispatch is available for urgent situations like lockouts. Call or text and we'll let you know if we can get to you.

How fast can you get to me?

Response time depends on your location and our current schedule. In most of our core service areas, we're on-site fast. Call or text for a real-time ETA.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment needed for most services. Call or text us and we can usually come same-day.

Where do you operate?

We serve Ventura County (805 area) and San Diego County (619 area). That includes all cities and neighborhoods within both counties.

KEY TYPES & TECHNOLOGY5
What is a transponder key?

A transponder key has a small electronic chip inside the key head. The chip sends a coded signal to your car's immobilizer. If the signal doesn't match, the engine won't start. Most cars made after 1995 use transponder keys.

What is the difference between a transponder key and a smart key?

A transponder key is a physical key with a chip that you insert into the ignition. A smart key (proximity key) is a fob that stays in your pocket. You push a button to start the car. Smart keys are more expensive to replace because the fob hardware costs more.

Will a key from a hardware store work?

No. Hardware store copies look right but lack the programmed chip. The key may turn in the ignition but the engine won't start.

What is EEPROM programming?

EEPROM programming is an advanced technique where we read and write security data directly from the vehicle's security module chip. It's used when standard OBD2 programming won't work, often saving thousands compared to a dealer's ECU replacement.

How often should I replace my key fob battery?

Typically every 2 to 4 years depending on usage. If your remote buttons are getting weak or inconsistent, it's probably the battery.

NEED A LOCKSMITH IN VENTURA COUNTY?

Call or text for a free quote. We handle locks, keys, safes, and security for homes, businesses, and vehicles. Same-day mobile service anywhere in the 805.

Open Daily
Tim's Locksmith Service technician handing keys to a customer