Why Aufsperrdienst Berger — and not just any locksmith
When you're locked out at 11 PM, you Google fast and call the first number. That's exactly what dishonest operators count on: no price on the phone, inflated charges on site, no proper invoice. The Vienna Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer) has warned about these practices for years.
Aufsperrdienst Berger operates differently. We are a registered Viennese business at Handelskai 208, 1020 Vienna — a real address, not a PO box or overseas call center. Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, and you get the price before work begins.
Fair prices vs. documented scam prices
Austrian consumer protection agencies regularly document cases where locksmiths charge €400-900 for a simple door opening. Compare:
| Service | Aufsperrdienst Berger | Dishonest operators* |
|---|---|---|
| Simple door opening (daytime) | from €60 | €250-500 |
| Apartment door slammed | from €79 | €350-600 |
| Security door | from €99 | €400-800 |
| Night surcharge | + €59 | + €150-300 |
| Travel within Vienna | included | €50-150 extra |
| Invoice | fully itemized | lump sum or none |
*Documented cases per Vienna Chamber of Labour and media reports.
Important: Under Austrian law (§ 1170a ABGB), only reasonable fees may be charged. If the price far exceeds the industry standard, you can reclaim the difference. Contact the Vienna Chamber of Labour or the Austrian Consumer Information Association (VKI).
How to verify any locksmith in 2 minutes
Before you hire any locksmith — not just us — run this quick check:
Ask for the GISA number
Ask on the phone for their trade license number. Every legal business in Austria has a GISA number. Ours: 38955860. No number = not registered = hang up.
Verify in the GISA database
Go to gisa.gv.at/abfrage and enter the number. The status must show "aufrecht" (active). This confirms the business is legally registered.
Demand a fixed price
A trustworthy locksmith quotes a binding price before work starts. If they say "the technician will see on site" — hang up and call someone else.
Require an itemized invoice
Insist on an invoice listing every item: travel, labor, materials, surcharges. A lump-sum "€500 flat" is not a proper invoice. Under Austrian consumer protection law (KSchG), you have the right to detailed billing.
Fixed price by phone. GISA-verified. At your door in 20-30 minutes.
How our fixed-price guarantee works
At Aufsperrdienst Berger, there are no price surprises:
- On the phone: You describe the situation (door type, slammed or locked, time of day). We quote the binding price.
- On site: The technician confirms the price and explains the opening method — before starting.
- After the job: You receive an itemized invoice. The exact amount quoted upfront.
Our prices are published on the price list, and the quoted price is binding. If a more complex method is needed on site, we discuss it with you beforehand — never without your consent.
Checklist: spotting a trustworthy locksmith
Save these points on your phone — they protect you in an emergency:
GISA trade license
Every legal locksmith in Austria has a GISA number. Ours: 38955860 — verifiable anytime at gisa.gv.at.
Fixed price before work starts
No price on the phone = don't call. Our prices are transparent and binding.
Fixed business address in Vienna
Check the address on Google Maps if in doubt. We are at Handelskai 208, 1020 Vienna. View imprint
Itemized invoice
Every charge must be listed: travel, labor, materials, surcharges. A lump-sum invoice without breakdown is a red flag.
Genuine Google reviews
300+ reviews, 5.0 stars — with real names and detailed experiences. Read reviews
No pressure on site
Professional technicians calmly explain the method and price. If you're pressured or a higher price is demanded on site, you have the right to refuse.
Does my insurance cover the locksmith?
Household insurance and locksmith costs
In Austria, household insurance (Haushaltsversicherung) frequently covers locksmith costs — especially after burglary or key loss. Typical coverage ranges from €200 to €500, depending on your policy.
What to do:
- Check your policy for "Schlüsseldienst" or "Aufsperrdienst" coverage
- Report the incident to your insurer within the notification period
- Submit our itemized invoice — it meets all insurance requirements
- For burglary: include the police report (insurers typically require this)
Many Vienna residents don't realize their existing household insurance already covers these costs. A quick check of your policy is worth it.
Your rights as a consumer in Austria
Austrian consumer protection law (KSchG) and civil code (ABGB) protect you with any tradesperson:
- § 1170a ABGB: If no price is agreed, a "reasonable fee" applies. Prices significantly above industry standard can be challenged.
- KSchG § 9: You have the right to clear, complete price information before entering a contract.
- Cancellation right: For doorstep transactions (including unsolicited add-on services), you have a 14-day cancellation right.
For disputes, contact the Vienna Chamber of Labour or the Austrian Consumer Information Association (VKI).
Locked out? Fixed price, GISA-verified, 20-30 min. Call now.
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