When was the last time you were locked out of your home or car? Were you prepared? Did you have a spare key or the number to your local locksmith? If not, you will benefit from the following article. It contains very helpful information about finding a good locksmith and other useful tips.
If you have an attached garage, you should hire a locksmith to make sure that the door is secure. Many people fail to do this and they end up having someone enter their home unauthorized. Even if you close and secure the garage dorr, you should still have a lock put on the door to the house.
If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman’s club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.
If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman’s club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.
Do not hesitate to call a locksmith in the event you need duplicate keys for your vehicle. Most auto dealers will give you the idea that they are the only ones authorized to do this. They say this in order to guarantee you will hire them in your time of need.
Ask for a receipt. Most locksmiths are trustable, but some are scammers. That is why you need proof that you paid them. Store the receipt safely in the event that a question about payment pops up.
If you call a locksmith and they show up in an unmarked vehicle, you should be a bit concerned. Most legitimate locksmiths have a company vehicle. While having a plain car does not guarantee you are dealing with someone underhanded, you probably don’t want to risk your security by working with them.
When you are looking to have a locksmith install a new lock, ask them to use one that has high security. These cost a bit more, but they will keep you a lot safer than traditional locks. You need to show an ID card as well as a card provided by the locksmith in order to have duplicate keys made.
Question the company about how much of your information they are going to retain after the job is completed. Also find out what that information will be used for. Finally, if the locksmith is working on your residence, make sure that the locksmith doesn’t set the locks to take a master key. This could be a security issue down the road.
Always ask a locksmith to show you a copy of his license before he starts working. Legally, locksmiths are required to have a pocket copy of their license with them at all times. If they refuse, call a different locksmith. If they try to charge you just for showing up, contact the police.
Question the company about how much of your information they are going to retain after the job is completed. Also find out what that information will be used for. Finally, if the locksmith is working on your residence, make sure that the locksmith doesn’t set the locks to take a master key. This could be a security issue down the road.
Always ask a locksmith to show you a copy of his license before he starts working. Legally, locksmiths are required to have a pocket copy of their license with them at all times. If they refuse, call a different locksmith. If they try to charge you just for showing up, contact the police.
When looking for a locksmith, try to avoid any company that does not answer the phone with a specific name. These companies will frequently subcontract the work out to other vendors. You need to have a company that hires their own employees and does not farm out their work to anyone and everyone.
Do not hire the first locksmith you consider. Call a few to get a feel for the options available. This will give you a good idea of reasonable rates. After you have determined the going rate, you will be able to make a better decision in hiring a locksmith.
If you live in a state where licensing is mandatory, ask your locksmith how you can verify that their license is current. If they happily give you that information, you can double check their license. On top of that, you know that they are likely a trustworthy professional as a result.
Ask if the locksmith has an invoice on them which they plan to fill out once the work is done BEFORE they start. Look at it to see if it appears professional. Is it on letterhead? Does it include their company name and address? Or do they plan to create a handwritten invoice? If so, send them on their way.
Ask around to find out who people you trust use for their locksmithing needs. If they don’t have any recommendations, check with service rating websites such as Angie’s List. You can also ask construction companies to find out who they use, or even local security companies as they may know someone good.
Find out if the company you want to hire has done business under any other names. If they refuse to answer or hedge the question, strike them off your list. If they do give you other names, be wary as they may be changing their name to avoid bad reviews.
Don’t narrow your list down to just one locksmith. The person you consider the best may be busy on another job when you need them in an emergency. If you have some other options you consider trustworthy, you’ll be able to bring in someone right when you need them the most.
Now that you have the “how” covered, the time has come to move on to “doing”. That means using these tips to ensure you find a professional who does what they promise. In fact, you’ll find it won’t take you long to locate someone who offers great work at an affordable price.