Most people go through so much to protect their home, property and families, but then seem clueless when it comes time to hiring a locksmith. Fortunately for you, the following article can change all that. It’s full of helpful advice and tips you can use to become fully educated about hiring a locksmith.
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.
Ask for a receipt from your locksmith. While most of the locksmiths you encounter will be honest, there are those few that try to scam others. That is why proof that they were completely paid is necessary. Store the receipt safely in the event that a question about payment pops up.
You should do your research and have the name of a reliable locksmith on you at all times. Look for online reviews and get recommendations from people you know. You want to know that you are not being taken advantage of if and when you are in an emergency situation.
Review the Better Business Bureau website to find a locksmith’s reputation. 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.
Make sure the locksmith you hire is properly licensed and insured. While this may not impact his ability to fix you up a new set of keys, it offers a lot in terms of credibility and trust. Make sure anyone you use is up to date on all the paperwork and as professional as possible.
When a locksmith raises the quote on arrival, ask them to leave. There are plenty of honest locksmiths out there, so you shouldn’t deal with one who is not.
Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a service vehicle. If the locksmith does not arrive in a service vehicle, you should take extra care to ensure that he is not a scam artist. Ask for identification before allowing him to begin. This identification should include a pocket license along with business cards.
Only hire a locksmith that is bonded and has insurance. If he or she messes up on the job, you want to make sure you are protected and that you will be reimbursed for the damages. Knowing that the company has taken this type of precaution should give you peace of mind as the work on your property begins.
If you have a keyless auto lock, let the locksmith know that when you call and ask for his service. All locksmiths are not qualified to handle this, so you may be wasting time by holding back this information. Most locksmiths will ask, but make sure to tell them in case they do not.
As valuable as our homes, cars and families are, most people know hardly anything about hiring a locksmith to protect it all! Hopefully this article has turned things around for you and you now know exactly what to look for! Use the tips and tricks to hire only the best to protect all that is important to you.