Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Apex Lock & Key dispatches 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including holidays. Our emergency line is always answered by a real person, not an answering service. If you're locked out at 2am on Christmas morning, call us.

Our average emergency response time in Springfield is 30 minutes. Outlying areas may take a bit longer. When you call, we'll give you an accurate ETA based on our technician's current location — not a vague "30–90 minutes."

Yes. Apex Lock & Key is fully licensed by the state of Illinois, bonded, and carries full liability insurance. Every technician we dispatch carries their credentials and is background-checked. We're happy to provide verification before we start any work.

Lockout pricing depends on the type of lock, vehicle, and time of day. We always quote before we start — you'll know the price before a technician even gets out of the truck. Beware of locksmiths who give you a low number and then add fees once they arrive. We don't do that.

Yes — in most cases. For standard door locks, we can decode the lock cylinder and cut a key from scratch. For vehicles with transponder keys, we can use our programming equipment to create a new key even without an existing one. We may need to verify ownership with your ID and registration.

Rekeying means we change the internal pins of your existing lock cylinder so old keys no longer work — only new keys do. It's faster and cheaper than a full lock replacement. Replacing means installing an entirely new lock. If your lock is worn, damaged, or you want to upgrade the security level, replacing is the right call. We'll honestly advise which one makes more sense for your situation.

We work on most makes and models — including Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and many others. A small number of high-security vehicles (some European luxury models) require dealer-specific programming. Call us with your year, make, and model and we'll confirm right away.

We accept cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and Venmo or Zelle for personal customers. Commercial clients can set up invoicing on account. We never require cash-only — if a locksmith insists on cash only, consider that a red flag.

No — not if we can avoid it. Skilled locksmiths use picking, decoding, and shimming techniques that leave no damage. In rare cases involving extremely worn locks or certain high-security cylinders, we'll discuss your options with you before proceeding. Destroying a lock to open it is a last resort, not a first move.

Great question. Look for: a real local address (not just a call center), a state license number, verified Google reviews, a clear website with real pricing expectations, and a technician who shows ID. Scam locksmiths often advertise an extremely low price, then quadruple it once they arrive. Legitimate locksmiths — like us — quote before they start and stand behind that quote.