Licensed Locksmith & Owner, Alpha Locks and Safe • • Updated
What Counts as a Locksmith Emergency?
Not every lock issue requires an emergency call. Understanding the difference can save you money and help you get the right service faster. A genuine locksmith emergency is any situation where your safety, security, or access to essential property is at immediate risk.
Common emergency situations we handle daily in Westchester County:
- Home lockout — You're locked out of your house or apartment, especially at night or in bad weather
- Car lockout — Keys locked inside your vehicle, or a child or pet is trapped inside
- Office or business lockout — Can't access your workplace, especially during business hours
- Break-in damage — Your door lock or frame was damaged during a burglary attempt and needs immediate repair
- Broken key stuck in lock — The key snapped inside the cylinder and you can't lock or unlock the door
- Malfunctioning electronic lock — Your keypad or smart lock won't respond and you're locked in or out
- Lost keys with security concern — You've lost your only set of keys and are worried someone else might use them
What to Do When You're Locked Out (Step-by-Step)
Being locked out is stressful, but staying calm and following these steps will help you resolve it safely and quickly:
- Stay calm and check all entry points. Try every door and accessible window. Sometimes a back door or garage entry is open.
- Check for a spare key. Did you leave one with a neighbor, family member, or in a lockbox?
- Don't try to force entry. Kicking a door or prying a window can cause hundreds of dollars in damage and may trigger a security alarm or alert neighbors to call police.
- Call a licensed locksmith. When you call Alpha Locks at (929) 367-6689, we'll give you an estimated arrival time and an upfront quote before dispatching.
- Wait in a safe, well-lit area. If it's nighttime, stay near streetlights or in your car if possible.
- Verify the locksmith's identity. When we arrive, our technician will be in a marked Alpha Locks and Safe vehicle, wearing a company shirt, and carrying a valid NY locksmith license you can ask to see.
Emergency Services We Provide
Alpha Locks and Safe handles every type of lock emergency across residential, commercial, and automotive settings:
Residential Emergency Locksmith
- 24-hour home lockout service — non-destructive entry for houses and apartments
- Emergency lock change — after a break-in, lost keys, or tenant move-out
- Emergency rekeying — change what key opens your lock without replacing the hardware
- Break-in repair — fix damaged doors, frames, and locks after a burglary
- Broken key extraction — remove snapped key pieces without damaging the lock
Commercial Emergency Locksmith
- Business lockout service — get back into your office, store, or warehouse
- Emergency lock installation — replace compromised commercial locks immediately
- Access control troubleshooting — fix malfunctioning keypads and card readers
- Panic bar and exit device repair — ensure fire-code compliance
Automotive Emergency Locksmith
- Car lockout service — open your vehicle without damage
- Emergency car key replacement — new transponder or smart key cut and programmed on-site
- Broken car key extraction — remove snapped key from ignition or door
- Ignition repair — fix or replace a stuck or damaged ignition cylinder
How Much Does Emergency Locksmith Service Cost?
Transparent pricing is one of the most important factors when choosing a locksmith. Here are typical price ranges for emergency services in Westchester County (actual cost depends on lock type, time of day, and complexity):
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Home lockout | $279 |
| Car lockout | $229 – $845.55 |
| Lock rekey (per lock) | $179 |
| Lock change (standard) | $479 |
| Broken key extraction | $229 |
| Transponder key replacement | $195 – $2,000 |
| Break-in repair | $489 |
Important: We always provide an exact quote before starting work. No hidden fees, no surprises. See our full pricing page for details.
Why Westchester Residents Choose Alpha Locks and Safe
With dozens of locksmiths serving the area, here's what sets us apart:
- Locally owned since 2001. We're based in Elmsford and have served Westchester County for over 24 years. We know the neighborhoods, the building types, and the lock brands common in this area.
- Licensed and insured. NY License #2108832-DCA with $2M liability coverage. Every technician carries proper credentials.
- 322+ five-star Google reviews. Our customers consistently rate us 5.0 stars — check our verified Google reviews.
- Upfront, honest pricing. You get the exact price before any work begins. If the cost is more than expected, you can decline with no charge.
- 5-year warranty. Every service we perform comes with a five-year warranty on labor — the best in the industry.
- No damage guarantee. Our technicians use professional non-destructive entry methods. If we damage your lock during a lockout, we replace it free of charge.
- Fast response. Average arrival time of 15–25 minutes across Westchester County.
NY #2108832-DCA
322+ Google Reviews
Full Liability Coverage
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Response Times by Area in Westchester County
Because we're based in Elmsford, we can reach most of Westchester County within 15–30 minutes. Here are estimated response times to popular locations:
| Town | Estimated Response |
|---|---|
| White Plains | 10–15 minutes |
| Yonkers | 15–20 minutes |
| Scarsdale | 12–18 minutes |
| New Rochelle | 18–25 minutes |
| Mount Vernon | 15–22 minutes |
| Dobbs Ferry | 10–15 minutes |
| Ossining | 15–20 minutes |
| Peekskill | 25–35 minutes |
| Bronxville | 18–25 minutes |
Don't see your town? View all 45+ Westchester County service areas or call us — we likely cover your location.
How to Avoid Locksmith Scams in Westchester County
Unfortunately, the locksmith industry has its share of scam operators. The New York Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to watch for these red flags:
- Unrealistically low phone quotes. If someone quotes $15–$35 for a lockout, expect the final bill to be 5–10x higher. Legitimate emergency locksmith service in Westchester typically starts at $75+.
- No company name on the van. Licensed locksmiths in NY must carry credentials and operate from marked vehicles.
- Wanting to drill immediately. A skilled locksmith can open most residential locks without drilling. If drilling is the first suggestion, they may lack proper training or equipment.
- No upfront pricing. A reputable locksmith provides a firm quote before starting work. Never agree to "we'll see when we get there."
- Cash-only payment. Legitimate businesses accept credit and debit cards in addition to cash.
- No NY locksmith license. In New York State, locksmiths must be licensed. Ask to see their license number before allowing them to work.
How Alpha Locks protects you: We always arrive in a marked company van, provide ID and our NY License #2108832-DCA, give you an exact written quote before work begins, and accept all major payment methods.
Tips to Prevent Future Lockouts
Once we've helped you get back in, consider these steps to avoid being locked out again:
- Get a spare key made. Our key duplication service creates copies on the spot. Leave one with a trusted neighbor or in a secure lockbox.
- Install a smart lock. A smart lock lets you unlock with a code, fingerprint, or phone app — no key needed.
- Use a magnetic key holder. Hide a spare key in a quality magnetic case attached to a hidden spot (not under the doormat).
- Create a routine. Always pat your pockets or check your bag before closing a door behind you.
- Save our number. Store (929) 367-6689 in your phone contacts so you're ready if an emergency does happen.
- Schedule a security audit. We offer free security assessments where we check all your locks and recommend any upgrades. Contact us to schedule one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Locksmith Services
How fast can you get to me if I'm locked out?
Our average response time across Westchester County is 15–25 minutes. We have mobile units positioned strategically throughout the county, and we'll give you an accurate ETA when you call.
Do you charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays?
Our pricing is consistent regardless of the time of day. We do not add after-hours surcharges. The price we quote over the phone is the price you pay.
Will you damage my lock or door during a lockout?
No. Our technicians are trained in non-destructive entry methods. In the rare case that a lock must be drilled (for example, certain high-security cylinders), we'll explain why beforehand and replace the lock as part of the service.
Do I need proof of ownership or ID?
For your protection, we do ask for proof that you live at or own the property — a driver's license, lease, utility bill, or similar document. For car lockouts, we verify vehicle ownership through registration or title.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, and cash. Payment is collected only after the work is complete and you're satisfied.
Can you make a new car key if I lost all my keys?
Yes. We can create new transponder keys, program key fobs, and cut standard car keys on-site for most vehicle makes and models.
Should I change my locks after a break-in?
Absolutely. After a break-in, you should at minimum change the locks on all entry doors and consider upgrading to high-security locks. We can also repair any door or frame damage from the break-in.
Do you serve areas outside Westchester County?
Yes, we also serve portions of the Bronx, Rockland County, and the greater NYC area. Call us at (929) 367-6689 to confirm coverage in your specific area.