policy

Afterhours & Emergency Service Policy

River City Locksmith offers afterhours and emergency locksmith services to ensure customers have access to critical support outside of standard business hours. We understand that lockouts, lost keys, broken hardware, and urgent security issues don’t always happen during the day. Our emergency response services are available evenings, weekends, and holidays across Eastern Washington, Spokane, Kootenai County, and North Idaho.

For safety and operational integrity, all emergency services requested afterhours must be prepaid prior to dispatch. 

Payment is securely processed over the phone and ensures that our technicians are responding to verified, legitimate service calls. This policy protects both our staff and customers while maintaining efficiency and accountability during non-standard hours.

Emergency response fees or surcharges may apply and will be clearly communicated before any payment is taken or service is scheduled. We do not use third-party answering services or call centers. All emergency requests are handled directly by licensed local locksmiths who live and work in the Inland Northwest.

While we do our best to respond quickly, service times may vary based on technician availability, location, weather, or call volume. River City Locksmith reserves the right to defer non-critical requests to the next available service window when public safety is not at immediate risk.

Non-Returnable Car Keys, Remotes and Electronic Components

Due to the nature of automotive locksmithing and electronic key programming, all car keys, remotes, fobs, and related electronic components are non-returnable and non-refundable once a service has been initiated or an item has been special ordered.

This includes:

  • Transponder keys
  • Remote head keys
  • Keyless entry remotes and fobs
  • Proximity (push-to-start) smart keys
  • Emergency key blades
  • Any customer-supplied devices that have been cut, programmed, or tested

A. No Refunds After Programming or Cutting

Once a key or remote has been cut, programmed, or even attempted to be paired with a vehicle, it becomes permanently associated with that vehicle’s immobilizer or security system and cannot be returned, resold, or reused. As such, no refunds or exchanges will be offered under any circumstance.

B. No Warranty on Customer-Supplied Keys

If a customer provides their own key, remote, or fob for programming, River City Locksmith assumes no responsibility for defects, incompatibility, or failure to program. Diagnostic or labor fees will still apply, regardless of whether the customer-supplied item functions correctly.

 C. Verification of Compatibility

River City Locksmith will assist in identifying the correct key or remote when possible, but final responsibility lies with the customer to confirm year, make, model, and trim level accuracy. Special order items for incorrect vehicles are not eligible for refunds or returns.

D. Damaged or Defective Vehicle Modules

If programming fails due to issues with the vehicle’s computer, immobilizer, key reader, or other components, the customer remains responsible for all time and labor incurred during the attempt. No refunds will be issued for keys or remotes rendered unusable due to vehicle-side issues.

Chargebacks, Theft of Service & Payment Disputes

River City Locksmith maintains a strict policy against chargebacks and theft of service. Any attempt to reverse or dispute a valid transaction after services have been rendered is considered fraudulent activity and will be pursued accordingly.

If a chargeback is initiated without first contacting our office to resolve the matter, the customer may be liable for:

  • The full original service amount
  • All chargeback processing fees incurred
  • Collection costs and legal fees associated with recovery
  • Permanent termination of any future service from River City Locksmith

Additionally, customers who intentionally avoid payment, provide false information, or falsely claim unauthorized charges may be subject to criminal and civil action for theft of services under Washington and Idaho state law.

We attempt to document all service interactions—including timestamps, GPS dispatch records, authorization forms, photos, and signed receipts—to support legitimate billing and protect our business from fraudulent claims.

If you believe there was an error in billing or service, we encourage you to contact us directly for prompt resolution before involving your financial institution.

Vehicle Programming Limitations, Failures & Delays

River City Locksmith offers professional automotive key programming services using industry-standard diagnostic tools and equipment. However, not all vehicles respond predictably to programming attempts due to a range of factors outside of our control.

By using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

A. Vehicle Condition Disclaimer

We are not responsible for failed programming attempts caused by any of the following:

  • Malfunctioning or damaged ECUs, immobilizers, BCMs (body control modules), or keyless entry systems
  • Dealer-locked systems requiring factory authorization or OEM-level tools
  • Low or unstable vehicle battery voltage during service
  • Aftermarket alarm systems, remote starters, or previous tampering
  • Failed antenna coils, ignition switches, or key readers
  • Damaged wiring, corroded fuse boxes, or unrecognized module configurations

B. Diagnostic Limitations

Our technicians will attempt to diagnose issues when programming fails, but we do not guarantee full module diagnostics. For vehicles with unresolved faults or complex failures, dealership intervention or specialized diagnostics may be required.

C. No Guarantee of Successful Programming

While we take every step to ensure compatibility and accuracy, River City Locksmith does not guarantee successful programming in any scenario involving:

  • Customer-supplied parts or keys
  • Unknown module compatibility
  • Intermittent or unresolved electrical issues
  • Vehicles that have undergone previous unauthorized reprogramming or bypass attempts

D. Fees for Programming Services

All key programming and diagnostic attempts are billable, regardless of success. This includes time spent identifying system failures or verifying module incompatibilities. No refunds will be issued if programming fails due to vehicle-side problems.

E. Customer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is in working mechanical and electrical condition prior to programming. If the technician determines that the vehicle is not in a state to proceed, service may be denied or rescheduled at an additional cost.

F. Limited Liability

River City Locksmith is not liable for:

  • Vehicle damage resulting from existing faults
  • Towed vehicles that become immobile due to pre-existing ignition, ECM, or transponder faults
  • Dealer-only systems that become locked after a failed attempt directly or indirectly caused by customer tampering

We recommend confirming your vehicle’s compatibility before scheduling service, especially for high-security vehicles, European makes, and older models with aging electronics.

 WARRANTY

River City Locksmith provides warranty coverage based on the type of service and hardware involved. Residential locksmith labor is covered for 90 days from the date of service. This includes services such as lock installation, rekeying, adjustments, and hardware troubleshooting. Commercial locksmith labor is covered for 30 days due to the higher frequency of use and heavier-duty requirements found in commercial environments.

Automotive key programming, remote pairing, and diagnostic work are covered for 30 days unless otherwise stated at the time of service.

Any hardware supplied and installed by River City Locksmith, including locks, cylinders, keypads, and mechanical components, is covered for up to one year against manufacturer defects or mechanical failure, in accordance with the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage does not apply to damage caused by misuse, vandalism, weather exposure, or pre-existing issues with doors, frames, or electrical systems.

Customer-supplied parts are installed without warranty unless otherwise agreed in writing. All warranty claims must be reported within the applicable coverage period and are subject to inspection and verification before any corrective work is performed. River City Locksmith reserves the right to determine the appropriate remedy, which may include repair, replacement, or reinstallation.

REKEY

River City Locksmith provides professional rekeying services for residential, commercial, and multi-family properties. Rekeying is a secure, cost-effective way to update key control without replacing your existing locks—ideal after tenant turnover, lost or stolen keys, staffing changes, or security breaches.

Our rekey policy includes the following terms:

  • Customers must provide valid proof of ownership, tenancy, or management authority before any rekeying service is performed.
  • Rekeying is only performed on locks and cylinders that are in good working condition and are current, serviceable models.
    • We do not rekey locks that are worn, degraded, obsolete, or no longer in production. In these cases, replacement hardware will be recommended to ensure long-term security and functionality.
  • All rekeyed cylinders are matched to a new key code, and all prior keys will be rendered inoperative.
  • Rekey services are completed on-site by licensed locksmiths using precision tools and tested for proper function before job completion.
  • Master keying and multi-unit rekeying must be scheduled in advance and may require approval of system layouts or keying charts.
  • Follow-up adjustments or issues directly related to a rekey job are covered under our standard labor warranty for 30 days (commercial) or 90 days (residential).

This policy ensures rekey services are performed safely, reliably, and to a professional standard while reducing liability and preserving lock integrity.

Service Area

River City Locksmith provides mobile locksmith service throughout Eastern Washington, Spokane County, Kootenai County, and North Idaho. We are based in Spokane and proudly serve a wide range of surrounding cities, towns, and rural areas with residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith solutions.

Our standard service area includes:

Washington:

Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights, Mead, Colbert, Deer Park, Chattaroy, Nine Mile Falls, Medical Lake, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, Millwood, Greenacres, and surrounding areas throughout Spokane County and parts of Stevens and Lincoln Counties.

Idaho:

Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake, Dalton Gardens, Hauser, Bayview, and other communities across Kootenai County and North Idaho.

We are also available for extended service throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho, including outlying communities such as Reardan, Davenport, Rockford, Newport, Sandpoint, and Kellogg. These locations may be subject to additional travel charges or availability based on scheduling.

All service is provided by licensed, bonded, and insured locksmiths—never subcontractors or third-party dispatchers. We respond to both emergency and scheduled calls with professional, on-site service using fully equipped mobile units.

If you’re unsure whether your location is within our service area, contact us directly and we’ll confirm availability and travel options based on your needs.

Security & Privacy

River City Locksmith is committed to maintaining the highest standards of security, discretion, and customer privacy. As a locksmith service provider, we understand the importance of protecting not only your property but also the sensitive information related to your keys, locks, and access systems.

We do not store or share key codes, PIN numbers, safe combinations, or access control credentials unless explicitly requested by the client in writing for managed properties. Any temporary access data used during key generation, programming, or diagnostic procedures is securely discarded after service is complete.

Our technicians will never duplicate restricted or proprietary keys without proper authorization, documentation, or proof of ownership. We also do not discuss, disclose, or document any client-specific security vulnerabilities or systems with third parties.

Customer information, including names, addresses, service history, and contact details, is used solely for the purpose of providing locksmith services and maintaining service records. This information is never sold, distributed, or used for unsolicited marketing.

For access control installations, master key systems, and restricted keyways, all records are maintained with strict confidentiality. At the customer’s request, key systems may be registered under pseudonyms or internal property codes for added privacy.

River City Locksmith technicians are licensed, bonded, and held to strict ethical and legal standards. We take your privacy seriously and work to ensure that every service we perform strengthens your security, not compromises it.

Right to Refuse Service

River City Locksmith reserves the right to refuse service to any individual, property, or situation where safety, legality, or professional integrity may be at risk. Our technicians are trained to assess each service request and are authorized to decline or discontinue work under certain conditions.

We may refuse service in the following circumstances:

The customer cannot provide proof of ownership, tenancy, or legal right to access the property, vehicle, or safe in question

The location or situation presents an immediate safety risk to the technician, such as suspected criminal activity, hostile behavior, hazardous environment, or unsafe structure

The service requested involves bypassing or disabling security systems, locks, or safes without appropriate documentation or lawful justification

The property is in violation of local, state, or federal laws, or the requested work would involve compromising another party’s security or legal rights

The customer engages in threatening, abusive, or inappropriate conduct toward any member of our team

All decisions to refuse service are made with safety, legality, and professional standards in mind. In any case where service is declined, River City Locksmith may recommend a referral, rescheduling, or alternate solution when appropriate.

We value safety, ethical conduct, and community trust above all, and this policy ensures that we maintain the highest standards in every job we accept.