What do you do when you’re locked out of something? Calling the police is pointless since they will usually point you to a locksmith. Do you know if this person can be trusted? Instead of calling 911, have a locksmith’s number in your contact list by using the tips below.
If you are locked out of the house, replacing the lock may not be the answer. Skilled locksmith professionals should be able to unlock just about any door without having to replace the lock. Replacing locks can cost you money that you don’t want to spend.
Always be leery of locksmiths who want to charge more once they arrive at the scene. This is a common scam that has been used to get extra money on many unsuspecting consumers. You should call another locksmith if he tries to raise the price after arriving at the scene.
Get a receipt when all of the work is completed. The majority of locksmiths are trustworthy, but there are some scammers out there. Thus, you need proof of your payment. Place your receipt somewhere safe in case a dispute should arise.
Get in touch with a locksmith during his normal operating hours in order to avoid paying more than necessary. After hours, their fees go way up. For example, if you’re locked out of a car the cost may be around $50; however, when it’s after hours it could cost you $100.
Make sure you check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that you are working with a reputable locksmith. This can help you identify any person trying to scam you. Also, ALOA.org is another great organization that you can check to verify any locksmith you wish to use.
You should make sure to check a locksmith’s references and professional reputation before you let them into your home. Kick it up a notch and make sure to call the references. Naturally, you want a skilled technician, but you also need to be able to trust this person.
Ask any locksmith about his or her experience up front. Check to see if they have operated from a single location the whole time. A locksmith with more than a few years of experience would be a great choice.
Google your prospective locksmith. There are lots of reputable websites that provide reviews online. Do not use a site that is affiliated with any particular locksmith or locksmith group. Additionally, check with your local Better Business Bureau before hiring a locksmith.
Make sure you have checked the credentials of any locksmith that you are going to let in your home. Check on both the address and phone number, making certain that they match the business and the individual. Due to the Internet, it is very easy to make sure if someone is trustworthy.
Look for your locksmith well in advance of needing them. During an emergency, you will have a lot fewer options to choose from. If you call only in an emergency, you may end up with an unethical locksmith who has the keys to your house.
Shop around. Call at least three locksmiths before settling on one. This will maximize the quality that you get. Once you do figure this out, you are going to be able to make an informed decision about who is charging fairly.
There are many great online resources that can help you find a locksmith. You will find that people love going online and sharing their experiences. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from the locksmith. It will help you and others choose someone worth hiring.
Locksmiths that say the lock must be replaced when you’re locked out should not be trusted. A professional locksmith will be able to open a door without producing any damage your lock.
Ask if there are additional costs when hiring a locksmith. Is the price with tax? Are there any promotions that they are offering? Are you also going to have to pay extra for it being an emergency or for the mileage? You must ask for all pricing up front before you hire a locksmith so that there are no upsetting surprises.
Know that you’re going to give someone access to your things and they know how to get into locks. If you get any sort of bad feeling, keep looking for someone else to hire. To help protect yourself, meet the locksmith at their office, instead of allowing them to meet you at your home.
If you are unhappy with the service in some way, tell them your problem immediately. If not, your complaint may not be heard until after something can be done about it. If you don’t get the things you want, you should speak with a consumer protection agency to help you.
If you are locked out, determine exactly what the issue is. Do you have your keys in your vehicle? That is a lot different than if you had the keys to the car stolen. The one means you just need to get in, the other means you will need to have the lock rekeyed, replaced or more. This means informing the locksmith of your full circumstances.
These tips should help you be prepared the next time you need a locksmith. You can also find somebody that install new safes or upgrades your locks. Look for a locksmith who is known to be one of the best in the area because that’s a sign that they are trustworthy.
