When your car keys break or get locked in the car, finding a reliable and trustworthy locksmith should be your first priority. Here are some things to consider when looking for a car locksmith near you:

1. Check if the locksmith is licensed – It's important to make sure that any locksmith you consider is properly licensed and/or certified by relevant authorities in order to guarantee their professionalism and competence.
2. Research reviews online – Many people leave reviews online about their experience with various locksmiths they have used before, so take some time and go through these online reviews to get an idea of what other clients think about different services provided by various companies in the area. Reading these reviews will give you a good idea of which car locksmiths offer good customer service, quality workmanship, reasonable prices, etc., so try to focus on reputable companies with multiple positive ratings from past customers who have had comparable needs like yours before selecting one for your own project.
3. Get estimates ahead of time - Before hiring any professional service provider it’s always best practice to ask them for price estimates upfront over the phone. This not only helps avoid getting misled down the line but also ensures that everyone involved agrees on both costs and terms prior to starting work—making it much easier to resolve disputes later on if needed!
4. Ask about insurance coverage – Another thing that's often overlooked when searching for reliable auto-locksmith services is whether or not they carry insurance coverage.
5. Look at additional services offered – Most decent-sized cities usually have large number of independent contractors offering all sorts of automotive-related services beyond just unlocking cars such as key duplication & programming, ignition repair & replacement etc.

Auto locksmiths are professionals who specialize in the replacement of car keys. They can provide a wide range of services, including:

1. Replacing lost or stolen car keys: If you've lost your car key or it has been stolen, an auto locksmith will be able to provide you with a new one. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may even be able to generate duplicate copies for you as well.
2. Providing remote programming for keyless entry systems: Keyless entry systems allow drivers to unlock their vehicles without needing their physical key fob present. An auto locksmith will be able to program these devices so that they will work properly with your current system and remote starter if applicable.
3. Replacing ignition switches: When an ignition switch fails it can cause the engine not to turn over [or worse]. In some cases, replacing the sensor might do the trick but if not, a professional auto locksmith should be contacted immediately in order to get your vehicle running again as soon as possible!
4. Programming transponder chips and chip-enabled keys: Transponder chips are used in modern cars' security systems and help prevent theft by emitting unique signals that confirm your identity when attempting access/operation of your vehicle - allowing only authorized persons access (like yourself!). A good auto locksmith should have up-to-date knowledge regarding what type of chip is needed for each different make & model vehicle and will know how to properly program them so that you don’t experience any issues while driving around town!
5. Removing broken keys from ignitions or doors: Accidents happen all too often which lead us into having broken car keys stuck inside our ignitions or doors – this is where an experienced auto locksmith comes into play! They’ll have all the tools necessary such as extractors & lubricants which allow them safely remove any broken pieces without causing damage - saving you time & money from potentially costly repairs down the road!

All things considered, there really isn't a better option than hiring an experienced professional when it comes time for replacing car keys & other related services – just ensure that whoever you choose has all necessary certifications & plenty of successful case studies under their belt so that you can feel confident knowing proper service is guaranteed every single time!