A locksmith can be a very costly service, various reasons contribute to this. In this article, we will look into why a locksmith in New Zealand is so expensive, and whether your insurance will pay for the costs.
Why are locksmith rates so high?
Various factors contribute to the cost of a locksmithing service. When combined, these factors can increase locksmithing rates in New Zealand. Here are a few factors that have the largest influence on locksmith pricing:
Products
Most people are not aware of the actual cost of the products that a locksmith provides. Locks, keys, and transponders vary in price depending on the quality. A good locksmith will choose premium quality products that will provide the best performance, durability, and longevity.
While these premium products increase locksmith prices in New Zealand, they also offer long-term cost savings by reducing the need for ongoing repairs or premature product replacement.
Turnaround time
Quite often people who hire a locksmith need fast service. This is often the case in home or auto lockout situations, where the locksmith needs to arrive onsite as quickly as possible. On top of this, many locksmiths will offer 24/7 emergency services to ensure that the customer gets help as quickly as possible.
These flexible and unpredictable hours can be demanding for a locksmith, and that contributes to higher service costs.
Project complexity
The relative complexity of a project also affects locksmith rates in New Zealand. Even cutting a key can be a lot more complicated than many people realize.
Removing old locks, cutting new keys, and installing new locking mechanisms require a lot of time, effort, and expertise. In addition, locksmiths rely on professional equipment and tools that are expensive and complicated to operate.
Insurance and credentials
You might be able to find a locksmith that offers cheap services and products, but it’s important to look at value and not just price when you’re hiring a locksmith. Unlicensed and uninsured locksmiths don’t have to pay for the insurance coverage, training, or education that credentialed locksmiths do.
Make sure to hire a locksmith that’s fully licensed and insured. Hiring a professional locksmith is more expensive, but it’s well worth it for the added security, peace of mind, and service quality.
Will My Insurance Pay for a Locksmith?
Because a locksmith service can be expensive, home and vehicle owners are often wondering if their insurance company will cover all or at least some of the costs.
For the most part, a homeowners insurance company will only cover locksmithing services if they were initially added to the policy. Even if there is coverage, it is often limited.
In most instances, you can expect some coverage if your keys get stolen, your door, lock, or window is damaged by a covered peril, or your safe is vandalized or stolen. Anything over and above this, you are likely to have a difficult time getting them to pay.
Fortunately, auto insurance companies are more willing to cover lockout services and key cutting. However, you will need to review your roadside assistance coverage to find out whether your insurance covers this.
Many insurers also limit the number of times you can claim for a lockout or key copy, so read through the fine print before you decide on a locksmith.
How Do I Know If a Locksmith is Ripping Me Off?
A bit of research that compares locksmith prices in New Zealand will quickly tell you whether you’re being ripped off.
While some locksmiths can be overly expensive, others advertise really attractive prices. Unfortunately, this is often part of a scam. Only after you book the locksmith and they arrive on site, will they know how much the locksmith will cost you.
It is not unusual for scam locksmiths to quote a cheap price on a job, only to leave you with a bill that’s well in excess of the quoted price. This can come down to the locksmith claiming you need high-security locks or the existing lock needs to be drilled or replaced completely.
It is very uncommon for drilling to be required for traditional lock systems – this is mostly just a way to make more money. Remember, before hiring a locksmith, do some research, read through reviews if available, and compare at least two professionals before making a decision. That way your decision will be informed and you will reduce the likeliness of being scammed.