Have you found yourself in a bind and in need of a locksmith? Would their help truly aid your situation at the moment? There are some things to know before you seek out professional help. This article has the tips and tricks you need, so keep reading and learn all you can.
If you have a key that says “do not duplicate” on it, you can still go to a locksmith and have them make you copies. Many people offer these keys because it encourages you to pay them to get duplicates. Most locksmiths won’t think twice before making you a spare.
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.
Whenever possible, do online searches on potential locksmiths. You can find many reputable websites that provide reviews online. It’s best that you don’t simply trust the reviews that any locksmith puts on their own website. Another valuable resource is the BBB.
Carefully investigate any locksmith you consider using prior to making a call. Many locksmiths are nothing more than scam artists who will tell you that they need to drill out your current lock and install a new lock. Therefore, it is important to know who to call before you actually need a locksmith.
When a locksmith comes to help you, always ask to see their ID. In some states, the locksmith has to have a license as well, like in California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Texas. Do your research ahead of time so you know what documentation your locksmith needs to have.
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.
Check the credentials of a locksmith before you let him inside your house. Cross-reference the address on the listing that you found with the with phone number that is given to you. Thanks to the Internet, it’s actually quite easy to check someone out and make sure they are worthy of your trust – make sure you do so!
It is a good idea to ask a potential locksmith for references before you hire them. Do not ask for a list then toss it out. You should call all of the numbers given to you in order to get a good idea of how good the provider’s customer satisfaction is. Make sure to ask each reference if they would hire the locksmith again.
When you need to find a good locksmith, plan on driving around a lot. Rather than simply relying on the information you might get over the phone, visit their businesses in person. This will give you a better feel for the level of professionalism you are dealing with and should get all of your questions answered completely.
It is a bit scary to be locked out of your vehicle in an empty parking lot, but don’t allow a situation like this to cloud your judgement. If you call a locksmith and someone shady shows up, you should let them know that you will not be needing their services after all. Bad signs include lack of licensing, unmarked vehicles and a refusal to hand over an ID.
If you need a locksmith because you have locked yourself out of your car, talk to your auto insurance company. The company may be able to give you a list of recommended locksmith. Some insurers even offer locksmiths services as part of their policies, so be sure to ask about this.
A locksmith can change locks on doors and windows. Some of them may have experience with alarm systems too.
The services of a locksmith are generally more expensive if they are provided after they are closed. Some locksmiths use this practice to their advantage and charge unreasonable rates. Avoid getting overcharged by getting different quotes from different locksmiths.
If you receive great service from a locksmith, you should keep his number on hand in case you need him again. A very good locksmith is not always easy to find, so it would not be a good idea to discard their information. You will be a lot safer if only once person handles all of your security needs.
Trade organizations are a great way to find local locksmiths you can consider. For example, the Associated Locksmiths of America will provide you with a list of locksmiths in your area. While they can’t all be guaranteed to be high quality, it gives you a list to start your research with.
Search for a local locksmith with a lot of experience. Request references from those who may be new to your area. Also, research the company online and look for reviews of their services or information about their past locations. All of this information, taken together, will paint an accurate picture that will aid you in selecting a good locksmith.
Be wary of a locksmith in an unmarked vehicle. While he may be a great professional, he may also be an unsavory individual who ends up inflating the cost of his work and then bullying you into paying it. It’s better to choose a company which provides a fleet of marked vehicles.
See what they keep after finishing a job. Do they file a copy of your keys with your address? You want to make sure no one else has access to your keys. Before they do the work, find out if this is their policy.
When you get locked out, having the number of a good locksmith can really help. It will allow you to not have to wait a long time or pay too much. Either way, you need to know the best characteristics for a locksmith. These tips will help you to locate these locksmiths.