KeyMe Locksmiths

My experience with KeyMe was an absolute nightmare. I contacted the company because the deadbolt to my apartment was stuck. KeyMe sent a subcontractor who jammed a drill into the middle of my old lock before I could say anything despite the cover of my standard KwikSet lock being removable (per a locksmith I talked with later), left metal shavings all over my floor without cleaning them (a safety hazard), tore out the strike plate without replacing it, and charged me $750 which is well over what even a properly done replacement of a jammed bolt would cost. He did not provide a license or itemized receipt. I panicked and paid in the moment because he physically cornered me even though I knew it was wrong. I am seriously considering filing a police report. If you are looking for an honest, reasonable, licensed locksmith in the Oakland area, The Two Wheeled Locksmith was kind enough to explain to me what should have happened based on the pictures I had sent him of the original lock and confirmed that it was a scam. I regret not contacting him first. Always ask to see a locksmith’s license! Update: I went through KeyMe’s complaint process and learned that they work with third party dispatchers who send subcontractors, creating multiple degrees of removal between them and whoever they send out. They do not verify that the subcontractors are licensed or even keep track of who they are. For the refund process, they expect you to work with the third party who dispatched the subcontractor. Because of this, if you got a scammer “locksmith,” it is very difficult to get the money back. I was able to get the refund directly from KeyMe after over a week of back and forth (had to reference state law), but should not have had to deal with any of this.

8/18 update After speaking with customer service reps, they were true to their word that they had a 100% satisfaction guarantee. — 2 stars, 8/12 Although my technician came within 20 minutes, the wood on my door is now damaged and the top lock is crooked, too—even though the bottom was only locked. I have a standard Schlage lock and paid $302 to have my door unlocked. Considering the damage now inflicted on my door, $302 is hefty for the quality of service I received.

I was locked out of my car and called KeyMe. They told me the price range was $19-$200. When the technician arrived he charged me $360 and would not explain why, he just kept repeating "This is what the company charges". I paid this ridiculous amount only because I was alone and felt very intimidated. I figured I could work out the correct price with the company later. Nope. I called customer service and they told me the technician can change the price, the quotes are not honored, and I had agreed to pay $360 and that is that. I asked for an itemized receipt which I have not received. Avoid this company at all costs.