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.
Pay attention to the car the locksmith is driving. It should be adorned with his or her business slogan. If the locksmith arrives in an unmarked vehicle, it is probably best to look for someone else. The locksmith that you called may not be legitimate and may try to scam you.
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.
Make sure that any locksmith you hire is insured and bonded. If they are missing one or the other, it would be a good idea for you to hire someone else. Being bonded will help protect you against terrible workmanship and insurance will cover any damage done to your property.
Find out if the company you are considering working with has ever had another name. In some instances, companies switch their names because customers were unhappy with their work. This helps them escape negative reviews. While a company may not be honest with you about this, it does not hurt to ask.
Before scheduling a locksmith appointment, make sure you see their ID. This will help to ensure you have the proper person handling your locks. As a professional service person, they might also be wearing a uniform, but you should demand to see an id at the very least.
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.
Don’t pick the first locksmith you come across. Contact between three and five locksmiths before you hire one. This will help you understand what the going rate is. One you know the average, you can opt for a locksmith who is charging fairly.
When moving to a new town, try to locate a good locksmith because, chances are, you will eventually need one. Doing your homework first could save you money and grief later on. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or referrals to reputable locksmiths in the community. If you don’t know anyone to ask then call local locksmiths and find out which one’s are long-term members of the Chamber of Commerce or other trade organizations.
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.