In fact, duplicate keys are one of the biggest risks for homeowners. Whether you want to prevent someone else from duplicating your keys or you want to ensure you do it the right way, here are some guidelines to consider.

Benefits of Key Duplication

Spare keys have several benefits, among them saving you time if you ever lose the original. Also, just having them gives peace of mind and can reduce stress. Here are some of the other benefits of duplicating a key:

• You get a backup key for the original.
• You avoid getting locked out of your home.
• You can give one to a trusted friend or family member.
• You can also give one to a neighbor for when you’re out of town.

Key Duplication Safety Tips

While they do have benefits, duplicate keys also have risks. The biggest risk is when someone else has access to your original key for any significant amount of time. Whether it’s a service technician, a home buyer or a neighbor, grabbing a key for duplication and replacing it later isn’t that difficult. This means a stranger has access to your home. To avoid this situation, here are some key duplication safety tips:

• Don’t leave a key (original or duplicate) in an easy-to-access location.
• Only give spare keys to people you completely trust.
• Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious locations, like under the doormat.
• Don’t ignore access points, especially at night.
• Have a home safety plan for when you’re out of town.

Where To Get Keys Duplicated

Keys are often duplicated at those self-service kiosks out of convenience. They’re not the best key duplication solution for giving you peace of mind, as they tend to be inferior quality, not as precise and less secure than visiting a professional locksmith. At A-1 Locksmith, we’ve duplicated thousands of keys over the years, so we can give you personalized tips about what to do (and not do) with the key duplication process.

If you’d like more advice about key duplication and other locksmith-related topics, stop by any of our A-1 Locksmith locations in Dallas-Fort Worth today and we’ll help you out.

This is especially true when it comes to your home and protecting your precious belongings. Let’s use this calendar change as an opportunity to go over a few ways you can ensure your home is safe and secure in 2022.

Locks and Keys

There’s a good chance there are locks or keys in your home that need to be repaired or replaced. Or, if not, there are always upgrade opportunities. Take this new year as a moment when you inspect your home’s locks and see if there are any security issues. If there are any doors sticking to frames, keys that get stuck in locks or doors that won’t even open, it might be time for new locks and keys.

Windows and Doors

In addition to locks, think about the access points themselves. Are your windows made of flimsy glass that a child could break? Or can they stand up to a thief’s crowbar? Upgrades aren’t limited to material, either. Your windows and doors can be set up with technology that alerts you (and the professionals) to any breaches, motion or anything else problematic. 

Surveillance

The great thing about surveillance these days is that it’s accessible to all. There are basic models that still let you check in on your home remotely while detecting motion and giving you audio and video access. Of course, there are home surveillance upgrade options like high-definition video, recording capabilities, motion tracking, biometric locks, digital keypads and more. How big you go is up to you and your budget.

Emergencies

Finally, do you have a plan for emergency situations in 2022? Document a fire escape plan and ensure everyone in the family knows what to do and where to meet if they split up. Key duplication is also worth considering so you can hide an extra set of keys or keep them with a friend or family member in case there’s an unexpected situation where they’re needed.

If you’re looking for more ways to improve home security next year, contact A-1 Locksmith today. We’d love to help you start 2022 on the path to superior home security.

This is especially true for local locksmiths.

If you need to make a copy of a key, but don’t want to travel far for it, it’s important to have the right considerations in mind. Contrary to popular belief, those kiosks at big-box retailers aren’t the best option. You can still have the professional locksmith experience without traveling too far from your home. Here’s how:

Use the Right Search Terms

If you’re looking for “key duplication near me” and it doesn’t return the results you’re seeking, consider switching up the search terms you’re using. “Duplicate keys,” “key copy” and “spare key creation” are a few examples. Also make sure you’re aware that the top listings are usually paid advertisements, so you might need to scroll down a little when you get your search results in order to consider what type of search result is most relevant to your search query.

Be Selective

Don’t go with the first company that has positive reviews, is closest to you or is the most affordable. Be selective! Sure, it’d be nice to find a local locksmith that can do the job well, but it would be even better to find a local locksmith you can rely on for years to come. If the company does have good reviews, make sure they’re legitimate and be wary of any business with zero or all-positive reviews. Mentions of key duplication in reviews are also a plus.

Ask Questions!

Once you’ve narrowed down a few options for key duplication near you, ask questions to find the best local locksmith for you. Here are a few examples:

• Do you provide up-front estimates?
• Are you licensed or certified?
• What key duplication equipment or experience do you have?
• Do you guarantee or warranty your work?

Do Online Research

If you want some extra reassurance, research the companies you’re considering after your questions have been answered. Do some final checks to make sure the company is legitimate, has a phone number and website, trains its staff properly and serves your area. If you don’t have peace of mind about the key duplication locksmith you’re considering, you might as well not even do it.

If you’re looking for the best local locksmith for key duplication near you, look no further than A-1 Locksmith. Drop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth-area locations today!

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice, “rates of… household crimes tended to be higher in the summer than during other seasons of the year (when the study took place)” and “aggravated assault rates were higher during the summer than during (other seasons.)”

Let’s discuss why this happens and what you can do about it.

Warm Weather = More Crime?

Motor vehicle thefts also are higher in the summer than other seasons (like spring), so theft in general is a summer problem. But why? Let’s take a look at a few contributing factors to the increase in thefts during the summer:

• Many families take vacations during the summer and are away from their homes
• Beach-goers often forget to lock their vehicles, or they leave the keys in the car
• Criminals in popular destinations target tourists and people from out of town
• Increased temperatures can lead to increased aggression from thieves
• People tend to let their guard down and relax during the summer

These are just a few reasons, of which there are many and they can be complicated. But the good news is that you can be proactive regardless of the reason for increased thefts.

How To Be Proactive

It’s a good idea to think about security all year long, but there are certain steps you can take to ensure your home is especially protected during these vulnerable few months. Here are some tips for improving the security of your home during the summer:

• Key duplication: Leave a spare key only with a trusted friend or family member.
• Security system: Install a surveillance system or video doorbell so you can check in at any time.
• Maintenance and landscaping: Make sure your home landscaping is maintained so thieves can’t tell you’ve been away.
• Locks and windows: Ensure all locks and windows in your home are repaired and in good working order
• Social media: Avoid posting online that you’re on vacation!

If you’re interested in additional security advice or products for the summer, contact us today or stop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations.

Automobile and house keys are no exception. Just because something is available online, though, doesn’t mean it’s a wise decision. From warranty issues to low-quality materials, there are several reasons to avoid purchasing home and auto keys online. 

Let’s go over a few of them.

1. Modern keys are complicated.

When you don’t get a key from a professional locksmith or dealer, you can’t guarantee it will work—especially if it’s a car key. Modern vehicles feature advanced electrical components, precise cutting and specific programming. The online retailer might not accept refunds, either, so if the key doesn’t work, you’re out of luck.

2. The quality of the keys isn’t guaranteed.

Dealers and locksmiths follow strict guidelines when it comes to materials and machinery. Online retailers don’t necessarily do the same thing. In fact, many online retailers use the cheapest materials and construction methods available to keep costs down. This results in a low-quality key.

3. You’re not really saving that much money.

The cost difference between an online key retailer and a professional locksmith isn’t significant, especially when you consider that the latter includes warrantied work, high-quality parts and labor, and satisfaction guarantees. 

4. You likely won’t get a warranty, either.

Locksmiths and dealers care about their reputation, which is why they value experience, licenses and partnerships with professional organizations. As such, they often warranty their work. Online key retailers don’t rely on industry-recognized skill sets as much, and often don’t include warranties.

5. There’s less peace of mind.

Overall, you’re going to have less confidence in a key that you purchase online. If you’re talking about security for something as important as a car or house, do you really want to trust an anonymous person online who could potentially keep a copy of your key on file? Do you realy want something that controls access to your house or car going through the mail? With a professional locksmith, you can have peace of mind about your key purchase.

If you’re in need of a new automobile or home key, trust a professional locksmith instead of an online store. Contact the A-1 Locksmith team today for a consultation.

Let’s compare KeyMe kiosks (and other similar machines) to professional key-cutting services.

KeyMe Pros and Cons

There are thousands of KeyMe kiosks across the country and they’re usually located in the lobbies or front areas of well-known retailers. Convenience is definitely one of the selling points for these machines, but they offer several other advantages:

• Affordable: The company claims it can duplicate car keys “up to 70% less than dealer prices.” Its home and office key services are affordable as well.
• Convenience: In addition to its several locations, these kiosks complete the key-cutting process in minutes.
• Accessibility: You can save and share keys with friends and family via the app.

Although these are great benefits, the kiosks have some disadvantages associated with them:

• Vulnerability: While the app is a great way to share keys, it potentially puts your keys at risk to hackers and thieves who gain access to your phone – who could acquire your address in the same fashion.
• Lack of expert advice: Have questions about copying a key? You’re out of luck at a kiosk or machine, as there is no real-life person running it.
• Credit card only: You can’t use cash or checks; only credit cards are accepted.
• Limited technology: Newer car keys and high-security keys can’t be duplicated at a kiosk. You must go to the dealer or a locksmith instead.
• Other concerns: There are email verifications required for mobile transactions, fingerprints required at the kiosk and your address is temporarily stored at the kiosk until the order has shipped.

Professional Locksmith Pros and Cons

There are also thousands of professional locksmiths across the country, and they’re often in convenient locations as well. Many services are completed quickly, or you can grocery shop and run errands if there is a service that takes longer for some reason. Here are some other advantages a professional locksmith provides:

• Expertise: If you have questions or are looking for multiple solutions, a professional locksmith can give you advice and consultation on your key duplication needs and beyond.
• Security: You don’t have to worry about your address or key information being compromised in the digital space, since you’ll be physically handing your key to the professional locksmith.
• Multiple payment options: You pay via debit card and cash with a professional locksmith giving you more flexibility to pay how you want.
• Advanced services: Even if your key has more advanced technology than a kiosk can duplicate, a professional locksmith may still be able to help. They have state-of-the-art tools and equipment at their disposal.
• Breadth of services: Your locksmith needs are often not limited to key duplication. Working with an actual locksmith vs. kiosk allows you to consolidate your locksmith and key duplication services.
• Human touch: At the end of the day, the human element is important, especially when you’re dealing with something as important as home, car or office security. A professional locksmith can give you peace of mind in ways a kiosk can’t.

The only downside when it comes to professional locksmiths is that the price might be a little higher than what you’d pay at a kiosk. But you still save tremendously when compared to a dealership and you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
If you’re in need of professional key-cutting services, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

Also, did you know that going to a locksmith instead of a car dealership to duplicate your car keys is more affordable? We’ll cover this reason and three others you should choose a locksmith for auto key duplication in this blog post.

1. It’s More Affordable

For starters, every service at a dealership is typically more expensive than if you went somewhere else. This makes sense in a way, as the dealer handles components directly from car brands and wants to protect the value of its brand and the cars it sells. But you don’t need to pay Ferrari prices for a Honda-level need. An auto locksmith can duplicate keys of any kind and give you a cheaper option that saves you money.

2. There Are More Options

Speaking of options, you don’t have to stick with the same key when you choose a locksmith for auto key duplication. A dealer might not give you any choice in the matter, but an auto locksmith will give you the option to upgrade to a high-security key, key fob or another type of car key. You can even make an extra spare key, if you so desire. 

3. It Can Be Faster

It’s often also more convenient and faster to choose a locksmith instead of a dealer for auto key duplication. Not only can a locksmith travel to your location if you need a key duplicated, they can help if you’re locked out of your vehicle and get you back on the road faster. At a dealership, you might have to wait for other customers and it usually takes much longer.

4. There’s More Peace of Mind

When it comes to car keys, you can expect the same level of quality from a locksmith that you would from a dealership. In fact, you might experience more peace of mind, as a locksmith lives and breathes security, whereas a dealer focuses on all aspects of vehicle buying, selling and maintenance. You can trust that the key you’re getting from a locksmith will be of high quality.
These are just a few reasons to choose a locksmith for auto key duplication. If you need a key duplicated for your vehicle, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500.

Online Services Take Financial Advantage

The biggest risk to using an online service for key duplication is that these companies often utilize tactics to take advantage of the customer. Often times, online key duplication companies will hook customers with the prospect of copying a key at a very low cost—often only a few dollars—and with very little work for the customer – in fact, all you have to do is send in a picture of your key! While this may sound tempting as a time and money-saver, don’t be fooled; online services often over-promise and under-sell. While you may be quoted a reasonable price, a bait-and-switch scheme is often in play – after you agree to have your key copied, you may really be charged dozens more than you were originally told.

Keep in mind that when you pay for a service online, handing over your credit card is often the only option; unlike a physical store, you can’t pay cash for online key copying. This means that if you do receive services from a fraudulent company, you may risk handing over your credit card information, which could result in a future credit card scheme with you as the victim.

Putting Your Home and Family at Risk

In the worst of cases, a scam online key duplication service may use the photo of your key in order to make copies of your key with ill intentions. Because it can be very hard to track down who’s behind online companies, you may be sending a picture of your home or auto key to someone who’s involved in criminal activity, including burglary.

Not a Proper Cut

Another reason that choosing an online service for key duplication isn’t worth it is that often times, a basic photo of a key is not enough to yield a proper cut. This is especially true if the key has been used excessively, and is worn down in certain places. If your key isn’t cut properly, then you’ve not only wasted your money, but you’ve also wasted valuable time as well. In order to ensure that you get an accurate cut, it’s always best to have your key(s) duplicated in-person by a trusted professional.

How to Find a Trustworthy Key Duplication Service

So how do you find a trustworthy key duplication service near you? The best way to find a reputable key copying company in the DFW area is to look for one with years’ of experience and positive customer reviews. If you need key duplication services today, the professionals at A-1 Locksmith can help. With 60 years’ experience helping customers just like you, we’re ready to get put our expertise to work for you today.