If you've searched the internet for a Tacoma-based locksmith you've likely encountered the myriad of "so-called" locksmith companies in the area. Many of those are scams. When you dial their "local" number, it rings in Florida, Texas etc. to a call center that sells your service call to a local person that is willing to pay the most to them for the referral.That so called $15.00 service call they advertise often balloons to several hundred dollars and depending on the situation even more. We have on occasion responded to calls from Jesse Jones of Kiro TV, to help out victims of these charlatans.
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When implementing security measures, the "who" is more important than the what. We have the most qualified, capable, and caring group of security professionals in the Puget Sound region. Our expertise and experience in the different security disciplines is unsurpassed. We have three divisions to meet all of your security needs.
Guardian Security Group, Inc has been providing Tacoma with automotive locksmith services since 1978. We have the largest stock of automotive locks, parts, keys and automotive keyless entry devices in the Puget Sound area. That makes it simple to get exactly what you need when you need it. There are some great reasons to come visit our shop.
The term locksmith used to refer to a metal smith who made their own locks. Since it has become a specialization, it typically refers to a specialist-although today's locksmiths do not typically make their own locks. Modern locksmithing requires in-depth knowledge of different manufactured locks and their internal makeup.
When you need a locksmith in Tacoma, choose Guardian Security Group, Inc. Choosing Guardian comes with some serious benefits. There's a reason so much of our business comes from customer referrals. Locksmith companies aren't created equally. In this industry experience makes all the difference. We've been providing for Tacoma's security needs for more than 3 decades.
Reviews (19)
A. D.
May 03, 2022
Ian S.
Dec 07, 2021
Guardian Security was able to make me two new car keys after two of mine got ran over in the street. They successfully copied the damaged keys and reprogrammed new chip keys for the vehicle with a chip ignition. I appreciated that purchasing a second/spare chip key was discounted from the price of the first one. All the keys work perfectly and are extremely well cut.
Erin P.
Aug 03, 2021
Jon G.
Mar 06, 2021
This place was fast and easy they took great care of us. The gentleman walked out took 20 min and came back quick these people get the job done right at a great price! I had recently gone to the dealership and they were trying to charge $150 more than them and they needed and hour these people are without a doubt a best and will definitely come back if ever needed!
Abby S.
Nov 16, 2020
This is the place to go if you are a female and like to be mansplained. I have been to this location twice now. The first time was to inquire about what might be wrong with my car's ignition and the second time was today when I called about scheduling an appointment. On the first visit, I was there with my cousin who is also a female police officer though Kevin didn't know this.
She has a pretty good understanding of cars with the work she does. She was talking to him about how the system in my car's ignition worked. Kevin spoke over her and down to her, which was incredibly rude. Today, Kevin told me when I was explaining to him what was going on with my car, "Stop talking and listen to me, you're going to talk forever." I called back and was again connected to Kevin.
I asked to speak to his boss, Jim. Prior to transferring me to Jim, I let Kevin know how rude he was and he laughed. I hung up. If this is the way they treat their customers, especially with the pandemic and limited customer access, I wish them luck. My car will be worked on elsewhere. Take your money elsewhere.
She has a pretty good understanding of cars with the work she does. She was talking to him about how the system in my car's ignition worked. Kevin spoke over her and down to her, which was incredibly rude. Today, Kevin told me when I was explaining to him what was going on with my car, "Stop talking and listen to me, you're going to talk forever." I called back and was again connected to Kevin.
I asked to speak to his boss, Jim. Prior to transferring me to Jim, I let Kevin know how rude he was and he laughed. I hung up. If this is the way they treat their customers, especially with the pandemic and limited customer access, I wish them luck. My car will be worked on elsewhere. Take your money elsewhere.
Tammy E.
Jun 25, 2020
We pulled up this morning at 10 am, two employees at the counter, no other customers, and the first words that greeted us (rudely), "It'll be 5 minutes!" Husband asked about getting a second key fob made and they said $265 and you have to leave your car for 3 hours." This employee is older, gruff, and seems burnt out on customer service. A "hello" or "good morning" would have been nice. He wasn't on the computer or doing anything that would make it so he couldn't at least find out what we were seeking. Rude!
Nana S.
Jun 19, 2020
Average J.
Jan 22, 2020
Mark G.
Dec 08, 2019
Ali Y.
Dec 07, 2019
Went in to make copies of two keys other local shops were unable to duplicate. The gentleman who assisted me was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was upfront about not having the right blank to duplicate one of the keys but gave me other options without being pushy or trying to sell. They have a grab a number machine (like at the DMV) so I'm assuming it can get pretty busy during the day. I went late in the evening and there were no other customers so I didn't have to grab a ticket nor wait to be assisted. Will definitely be back!
Mac M.
Aug 28, 2019
Bought in 2 key fobs I purchased off eBay they was able to cut and reprogram the keys for half the price my dealer Quoted me for making 1 key through them and it would take 4 hours at my dealership. They did everything in less then 30 mins I was happy with the awesome customer service very professional and up front price costs.
Deb K.
Feb 13, 2019
Had my son's 1999 Dodge Durango towed to Guardian to have the Fob programmed so the car would start. The key wouldn't start it. Randy was a LIFESAVER! He even replaced the negative battery connector for me - AT NO CHARGE! He figured out the problem with the lock system, got her running. RANDY ROCKS! Everyone there was very helpful and knowledgable. Now my 5 grandbabies have a running vehicle THANKS TO GUARDIAN & RANDY!
Carl M.
Sep 23, 2017
I had such high hopes but over time, hope turned to despair. Email thread synopsis below. PROJECT: Fix driveway gate key pad and call button. JUNE 8 First call: Tech Todd B comes out to evaluate. Recommends I dig 2' trench and bury conduit from control box to keypad for brand new system. I bury conduit next day. JUNE 27: I reach out, he promises to come out one more time and offer proposal bid. AUGUST 9: Reached out again.hello? anyone there? VP Karen R responds "Tech on vacation" but he'll get back to you tomorrow. AUGUST 18: Hello?.Anyone there?.VP? Tech responds - I'm catching up on paperwork, will get you proposal later today. AUGUST 21: PROPOSAL ARRIVES! YAY! Wait.what? $3,000? Wow! Ok, let's just get this done.
Confirm newer and improved model will be used and let's do it! I agree to proposal, sign and return as instructed the same day. SEPT. 23: A full month later, I have yet to hear from anyone. Guardian appears to be good at duplicating car keys and mailbox keys but perhaps my needs may be over their heads. I think I have been patient to the extreme and allowed for a busy tech to take some time off, and to settle back into work but this is ridiculous. If a $3k install job doesn't rate decent customer service, then its not about the money. It's just systemic poor service as reflected in other reviews.
Confirm newer and improved model will be used and let's do it! I agree to proposal, sign and return as instructed the same day. SEPT. 23: A full month later, I have yet to hear from anyone. Guardian appears to be good at duplicating car keys and mailbox keys but perhaps my needs may be over their heads. I think I have been patient to the extreme and allowed for a busy tech to take some time off, and to settle back into work but this is ridiculous. If a $3k install job doesn't rate decent customer service, then its not about the money. It's just systemic poor service as reflected in other reviews.
Holy C.
Aug 08, 2017
I have been having some ignition issues with my 2003 Honda Pilot SUV EX. The key goes in fine but does not turn completely which does not allow me to start my car (very common issue with a lot of Hondas, especially the '03 Honda Pilots). I decided to call Guardian Security and they were able to give me some options. The option I went with was to remove the ignition myself and bring it in for them to repair/rebuild.
When I walked in Randy greeted me right away and took a look at my ignition and the original Honda car key (chipped key). He told me that the key was worn out and more than likely the ignition is damaged and needs to be repaired. The total cost would be $220+tax (rebuilt ignition and new programmed key). Randy and his team was able to rebuild the ignition in 1.5 hours and I got it back that same day.
When I picked up the ignition, it was close to end of business hours so he told me to come back in the morning and I can get my key programmed in 15 minutes or less. I came back the next morning (8/8/17) at 8:30am and Allen was there to program my key in less than 10 minutes. I was interested in getting an additional key (which is $89.50) and Allen informed me that he can give me an additional 25% if I get a second key, so I decided to do that.
I am a happy customer! The Honda dealership wanted to charge me $700+ for all of this work. I have a new ignition and two brand new keys (total was around $315). Thank you Randy and Allen and the team at Guardian Security!
When I walked in Randy greeted me right away and took a look at my ignition and the original Honda car key (chipped key). He told me that the key was worn out and more than likely the ignition is damaged and needs to be repaired. The total cost would be $220+tax (rebuilt ignition and new programmed key). Randy and his team was able to rebuild the ignition in 1.5 hours and I got it back that same day.
When I picked up the ignition, it was close to end of business hours so he told me to come back in the morning and I can get my key programmed in 15 minutes or less. I came back the next morning (8/8/17) at 8:30am and Allen was there to program my key in less than 10 minutes. I was interested in getting an additional key (which is $89.50) and Allen informed me that he can give me an additional 25% if I get a second key, so I decided to do that.
I am a happy customer! The Honda dealership wanted to charge me $700+ for all of this work. I have a new ignition and two brand new keys (total was around $315). Thank you Randy and Allen and the team at Guardian Security!
Terry M.
Jun 16, 2017
These folks cut and programmed my Smart Car key in about 15 minutes lickety-split, and were very professional. They also saved me about $400 the dealer would've charged to do the same key. Guardian is the first business I've ever given 5 stars, and they'll be the ones I'll contact when I need any locksmithing services.
Geoff G.
Dec 06, 2016
Absolutely horrible customer service. Similar experience to others who have said the people who work there will choose to ignore you when you walk in. I mean, it's a business, and they want customers to come in. right? They sure don't act like it. Stood at the counter for 25 minutes before someone would help me. No 'we'll be with you in just a minute' or something similar. An older lady walked in and they helped her right away, not sure why I was ignored for so long.
When someone finally got around to helping me, I asked them for a specific key I needed for my roof rack on my car. I gave the guy a key I had that was similar and said, 'it's one of these small ones' and gave him the number off the lock tumbler. Instead of listening to me, the guy just assumed I needed a key copy, so he first made me a copy of my key I handed him.
Of course it didn't work, and I had to go back in and ask him to remake it to the correct number. He acted really annoyed and threw the key in the trash in a big show of frustration, then remade my key correctly. Finally, they have a big sign at their counter that says '4% discount for cash.' I paid cash but was certainly not offered a discount.
It was the difference of 25 cents or something, and I didn't want to argue about it but that was just the icing on the cake of my bad experience. The only thing keeping this review to 2 stars instead of 1, is that I eventually got what I came in for and my key works. I'm sure if they would just greet their customers like every other retailer, and listen to what their customers needed, things would go a lot more smoothly for these guys.
When someone finally got around to helping me, I asked them for a specific key I needed for my roof rack on my car. I gave the guy a key I had that was similar and said, 'it's one of these small ones' and gave him the number off the lock tumbler. Instead of listening to me, the guy just assumed I needed a key copy, so he first made me a copy of my key I handed him.
Of course it didn't work, and I had to go back in and ask him to remake it to the correct number. He acted really annoyed and threw the key in the trash in a big show of frustration, then remade my key correctly. Finally, they have a big sign at their counter that says '4% discount for cash.' I paid cash but was certainly not offered a discount.
It was the difference of 25 cents or something, and I didn't want to argue about it but that was just the icing on the cake of my bad experience. The only thing keeping this review to 2 stars instead of 1, is that I eventually got what I came in for and my key works. I'm sure if they would just greet their customers like every other retailer, and listen to what their customers needed, things would go a lot more smoothly for these guys.
Que H.
Nov 05, 2015
This place is absolutely amazing! Normally I don't write reviews because it takes so long but I have to take a moment to express my gratitude and love for this place and their employees! I am new to Washington and just before I started working my car got repossessed! It sucked but luckily I had some cash laying around to purchase a car. My 1998 Cadillac Deville.
Well it just so happens that I'm clumsy as ever and happened to lose my keys on the sounder from Seattle to Tacoma! I ended up spending about $200 to replace my keys because of the way Cadillac keys are setup! I was met on the weekend after hours in the shop to have 3 sets of keys made for the price of 1! Omg they saved my life! I could've lost my job by not being able to get back and forth from work.
Without the dedication of guardian security team I would be in tons of bad juju right now! Anyone that has had a bad experience or something didn't go right I highly encourage you to give them another try! And I would recommend them to everyone and my momma 2 times! Be safe and go with this company they really care about their customers!
Well it just so happens that I'm clumsy as ever and happened to lose my keys on the sounder from Seattle to Tacoma! I ended up spending about $200 to replace my keys because of the way Cadillac keys are setup! I was met on the weekend after hours in the shop to have 3 sets of keys made for the price of 1! Omg they saved my life! I could've lost my job by not being able to get back and forth from work.
Without the dedication of guardian security team I would be in tons of bad juju right now! Anyone that has had a bad experience or something didn't go right I highly encourage you to give them another try! And I would recommend them to everyone and my momma 2 times! Be safe and go with this company they really care about their customers!
Kimberly W.
May 19, 2015
These guys are the best! I was quoted over $300 for my key even though I did not need new electronics, just a blade. No company would just cut the blade with the code for me until the dealership recommended for me to call these guys! I am so greatful! they cut me two keys for 1/16th of the price I was previously quoted. and they extracted my key for 1/3 of my previously quoted prices! not only did they provide me with what I wanted and for a reasonable price, but they also provided excellent customer service.
As soon as anyone hear "Land Rover" they instantly have a look on there face like this is going to be a pain in the *** but these guys were so happy to help me and I could not be more greatful!
As soon as anyone hear "Land Rover" they instantly have a look on there face like this is going to be a pain in the *** but these guys were so happy to help me and I could not be more greatful!
Doug J.
Mar 13, 2015
