A locksmith is one person you need to be able to trust rely on when you need them the most. Here are some helpful tips that will help you get the best locksmith that your area has to offer:
1. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, members, and co-workers that you trust and see who they can recommend in the area. Word of mouth is often the best way to find options and many people trust a good work from someone they trust over a dozen commercials or ads in the paper.
2. Always as for credentials and check references before hiring a locksmith- look at website reviews and if you have time, call and talk to some of the listed references to make sure the review are accurate. When you are given references, if at all possible, take some time to call those references and make sure they truly do recommend the locksmith and that they are valid recommendations.
3. Check the Better Business Bureau website and see if any complaints have been filed, keeping in mind that a few complaints are normal but abundance of complaints should be a major red flag. The Federal Trade Commission is another good source fro reliable information about locksmiths and other motor vehicle issues.
4. Never work with a locksmith that is not bonded or that has no insurance or offers no workers’ compensation for employees coming to your property- you could be held liable for injuries that occur on your property in your city or town. This is a common mistake people make because many do not think about this part of the locksmith operation and are in a panic when they do need locksmith services.
5. Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be from the locksmith and make sure they are asking to see yours as well – it will keep everyone safe and secure. You need to make sure who you are letting have access to your vehicle, home, or business, and they also should be making sure you are the owner of the property and not just a random stranger.
6. Look for someone in the local area that offers locksmith services offers 24 hours a day so you are covered whenever issues may arise. You may pay a little more but the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have full emergency help if it is needed is well worth a little extra.
7. According to Low Rate Locksmith, “For big projects like changing locks in your home or business, call and ask for an estimate beforehand. This will help you avoid nasty surprises at the end of the day when the work has been done and you are handed a bill that is much larger than you were expecting.”
8. Find and use a locksmith who does auto, residential, and business lock service so you have a one stop go to person for all of your lock needs. It is easier than having to call one locksmith for your home and another for your business.
9. Even in an emergency situation, make sure the locksmith has state approved ID, the trucks look professional, and they seem legit- otherwise, do not use their services. Common locksmith scams will involve someone claiming to be from a local company but will have no ID or marked vehicles and they will try to scam you out of your money.
10. Once you have found your go to locksmith, keep the phone number handy and keep multiple copies so you have it wherever you may be- have it at home, in the car, in your purse or wallet, and in your phone.
These are just a few of the helpful tips that can make finding a locksmith in your local area easier and safer for you, your family, and your business. Finding the best provider can take some time and a bit of digging, but it will be well worth it to have the peace of mind it brings in the end.
