If you get locked out of your house or car, panic can quickly start. Avoid this emergency from happening to you by knowing what to look for in a good locksmith and having the contact information with you whenever you go out. The following tips and tricks will teach you everything you need to know about locksmiths.
You don’t have to replace the lock when you lock yourself out. A well-qualified locksmith should have the ability to open almost all doors without needing to replace the entire lock. Lock replacement costs additional money and should be avoided if possible.
Do not trust a locksmith who gives you a far less quote than any others you have contacted. In some cases, this is done to reel you in. Once they begin to service you, they will add on additional fees for paperwork and the fuel they used to get to where you are.
You can avoid extra fees by contacting a locksmith during regular business hours. The price a locksmith charge goes up after hours. For example, if you get locked out of your car, the standard cost for the service is about $50; however, after hours, this fee can double.
Before you hang up the phone with a locksmith, tell them you want a written and signed estimate before they start the job. Anyone who hesitates is looking to make a few quick bucks. You should also get a receipt after all of the work has been done.
Get an estimate in writing before allowing the locksmith to begin working. This estimate should include the cost of unlocking the lock along with the cost of replacing the lock. You can agree to certain parts estimate. For example, you can arrange to pay the service fee with the stipulation that you will want to get several quotes if the lock needs to be replaced.
Always question a potential locksmith about the professional affiliations they are involved with and the certifications they hold. This indicates whether the locksmith is current on new methods and technologies. It may mean that they are more skilled than other locksmiths in some cases. While there are no guarantees, this line of questioning will help you get a qualified individual.
You should always receive an estimate in writing before you have any work done with a locksmith. This will let you know how much their services will cost and ensure that you do not pay more than the stated upfront cost. You do not need a surprise when it comes time to pay.
Don’t be afraid to do a little comparison shopping when you need a locksmith for your family. While trust and reliability are mainly the essential qualities in a locksmith, you shouldn’t be charged a fortune either. Look when you don’t need one and get your money’s worth.
Make sure that you ask any potential locksmiths what type of locks they have experience with. You don’t want to call someone to help you with a problem they are not familiar with the issue. Save everyone some time by verifying whether they are skilled with home locks, car locks, etc.
Beware locksmiths who answer the phone with a general phrase, such as “locksmith services.” If they don’t provide a company name or location, they may subcontract local locksmiths, meaning you have no control over the quality of the person who shows up. Look for a company that is local and mentions its name.
Get a written estimate before you allow any work to be done. If you are locked out, you should be able to get an estimate over the phone. Be sure to ask them about any additional fees before you agree to hire them so that you don’t end up with a huge surprise bill once the work is done.
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 like Angie’s List. You can also ask construction companies to find out whom they use, or even local security companies, as they may know someone good.
Check out the vehicle a new locksmith is driving. No, it’s not to see their sweet ride. It’s to see if the car is marked with their business on the side. Most reputable locksmiths brand their vehicles, both for marketing purposes and as a way to lower the risk you feel when a strange person shows up. An unmarked car could be a sign of something fishy. Use your best judgment.
You must ask for recent references from your locksmith. That said, don’t just ask for them. Follow up on them! If you don’t call, you’ll never know if the references are good or bad, or if they even exist. You don’t have to call them all, but at least name a few.
Talk to your police department to see if any locksmith company you wish to hire has complaints against them. These will be filed with their department, so they should be available to you. If you find many complaints, you should hire someone else to get you the needed help.
If a new locksmith jumps right to you needing a new lock to fix your issue, be wary of this person. Most locksmiths have the tools to open just about any safety in their arsenal. There are very few they can’t tackle. If a replacement is offered as the first and only option, you may be scammed.
Conclusion:
Nobody wants to be locked out of their home, car, or office. But they don’t want to leave themselves at the mercy of just any old locksmith. Use these tips to know what to look for and to be prepared. The effort you take will be well worth the security you get!
