(210) 829-5397Frequently Asked Questions
Is Access Key & Security licensed and insured in Texas?
Yes, Access Key & Security is a licensed and insured locksmith and security company in San Antonio, TX. All the company’s technicians undergo background checks and are certified/trained to the Texas Department of Public Safety locksmith licensing standards. So that you can check in credentials before allowing anyone to look at your house or work on your car.
How long has Access Key & Security been serving in San Antonio?
Established in 1985, SAN ANTONIO & AREA www.accesskeyns.com ACCESS KEY & SECURITY In its 40+ year history, the team has evolved into a full-service locksmith and security company catering to the residential, commercial, automotive, and access control markets.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services?
Yes, Access Key & Security is open 24 hours, an emergency locksmith in San Antonio—nights, weekends, and holidays. This includes home and business lockouts, car lockouts, broken key extraction, and emergency door repair.
How fast can a technician reach me in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, response times are usually 20–30 minutes but vary depending on traffic and your location. Emergency calls are prioritized, and you will be given a more accurate ETA when calling dispatch.
How much does a locksmith visit typically cost?
The cost of labor for locksmiths varies according to the service provided: a simple lockout or lock repair is cheaper than rekeying, lock replacement, or key fob programming. Access Key & Security offers most services with a no-obligation quote before any work commences.
Do you have any additional charges for nights, weekends, or holidays?
As a result of your staffing wages outside of practice, any emergency after-hours calls will be subject to a service charge, as is standard practice across locksmiths. The exact rate will be confirmed before you send the technician once you cancel.
When should I re-key my home locks instead of replacing them?
Rekeying is better when you have good locks, but it’s also like losing a key or at the end of the lease or after a breakup. It is much more cost-effective and quicker than replacing the lock entirely, allowing only internal pins to be replaced while keeping existing hardware in place.
Do I need to change my locks after moving into a new home?
Security professionals recommend that you rekey or replace all external locks as soon as you move into a new property. Since you have no idea how many copies of the previous keys existed or who might still possess one, this is a pretty important step in safeguarding a new residence.
Can you upgrade my house to keyless/smart entry?
Yes, Access Key & Security specializes in home keyless entry systems and smart lock installations in San Antonio. These can be added without replacing your door hardware and allow keypad codes, smartphone app access, or fingerprint entry.
What is the difference between rekeying and installing a brand-new lock?
Rekeying replaces the internal pins, so the old key no longer opens the lock, yet keeps all the same hardware. Installing a new lock will replace everything. Unless the lock is broken or you want to change it for a higher security number, however, rekeying is generally quicker and cheaper.
Can you set up a master key system for my business?
Yes, Access Key & Security provides designer and master key installations for commercial properties throughout San Antonio. It will allow you to determine which employee should have access to a specific door or section, while management will still retain possession of a master key card for the entire establishment.
Do you install emergency exit door hardware for commercial buildings?
Yes, Access Key & Security installs and services panic bars and emergency exit door hardware to ensure compliance with fire & life safety codes. Many Texas restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings need this service.
How does an access control system work for employee entry into the building?
These days, an access control system replaces physical keys with key cards, fobs, PIN codes, or biometric scans to regulate who can enter a building and at what times. Access Key & Security has been in the business of security training for access control system installation in San Antonio since 1985, including entry activity-tracking systems that enable security audits.
Can you make a replacement car key without the original?
Yes, Access Key & Security cuts and programs new car keys on-site without requiring the original for most makes/models. The technician checks proof of ownership before cutting a key, adhering to industry-standard security practices.
Do you program key fobs for all car makes and models?
Mobile auto key replacement programs: key fobs & transponder keys for most domestic and foreign vehicles. On some newer or high-security vehicles, it may need to be programmed by a dealership; the technician can verify whether that will be required for your vehicle.
Is it cheaper to use a locksmith or go to the dealership for a new car key?
A locksmith tends to be faster and less expensive than a dealership, and there is no need to tow your vehicle in or schedule an appointment. Most of the time, Access Key & Security can replace and program your keys in one visit to your location.
Can you get me back into my car without causing damage?
Non-destructive entry tools to unlock the vehicle without damaging paint, weatherstripping, or window seals are available with the Access Key & Security. Professional automotive locksmiths make damage-free entry as a routine consideration.
What is included in a security camera system installation?
A professional installation covers areas where the cameras go, whether they’re wired or wireless, and includes configuration of DVR/NVR recording and remote viewing on your phone/PC. Access Key & Security is San Antonio’s first choice for full-service security camera systems, including residential and commercial single- to multi-camera installations or complete property coverage.
Can gate controllers be integrated with an access control system?
Yes, a gate controller can work with a keypad, key fob, or app-based access control, so you do not need a separate system to manage gates and doors on your property. Commercial properties with vehicular points of entry, like gated communities and apartment complexes, typically follow this.
Do service drive-thru windows for restaurants and pharmacies?
Of course, Access Key & Security has a range of services for drive-thru windows, particularly those at restaurants and pharmacies, since these are common break-in points. This means such items as lock hardware, window security systems, and stitching them into a system with an existing access control or camera system.