Do Your HOMEWORK
Have you ever been locked from your car or home? Either you can't find your vehicle keys or you locked yourself out of your home. First thoughts are usually to turn to friends and family for help or perhaps a set of spare keys, but this may not workout. Next steps are to get hold of a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the deal with the locksmith business, you must consider the reliability and honesty of the business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the country's consumer protection agency, has uncovered that some locksmith companies may advertise in your local telephone book, but may not be local at all. Worst, these 'technicians' might not have qualified professional training at all and may cause further damage to your property.
Check Locksmith Locality
This has been noted and reported by the FTC during the past: An organization not located in your neighborhood has a name because of its business that is similar to the name of other local locksmiths in your community. The corporation advertises in the yellow pages and online directories utilizing a local address and phone number. However, in actuality, there is no store front and the neighborhood number is transferred to a place definately not your local town. Then, you may not be given a quote for the locksmith service or given a false quote. Once the locksmith arrives, he may want more money and you feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that is also a sign that the business isn't a geniune local locksmith.
Sometimes you can detect these falsely "local locksmiths" as they may have multiple listings - sometimes over 30 listings in a single phone number. Each one of these listings are under different names, but the phone numbers are directed to a single central call center. There, operators, who will not be trained individuals, are sent to your location.
How to Best Select a Locksmith Company
You can find reliable and honest local locksmith companies on the market. The best little bit of advice is to do your research and due diligence before you're locked out or in an emergency locksmith situation. You may be thinking about increasing your security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, or even installing a home security alarm. This is a fantastic time to sit down while watching computer and research different companies. Be sure you read reviews, be sure they have an area address and phone number, and compare quotes on the phone. Additionally, reach out to co-workers, members of the family, and friends for just about any personal recommendations they could have.
Once you've found a reputable locksmith, keep the company's contact information in a safe place such as your wallet, phone, or address book. This can save you time, anxiety, and money in the future.
Strategies for Emergency Locksmith Situations
Of course, when you are dealing with an emergency locksmith situation such as being locked out of your car, home, or office, you do not have the same luxury of near the computer and thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the locksmith companies. Below are a few strategies for such scenarios:
If you're locked from your car and have a roadside assistance service call them before a locksmith. Often, these lock out services are included in the membership or even though the car dealership or insurance provider depending on once you bought the car.
If a company answers the phone with a generic phrase like "locksmith services," rather than a company-specific name, be alert. Require the legal name of the business enterprise. If the client representative does not give a remedy, call another locksmith.
Get an estimate for several work and replacement parts from the locksmith before work begins.
Ask about additional fees before you consent to have the technician come to your location. Hop over to this website may charge extra for giving an answer to a call in the middle of the night time or for driving long-distance. Ask when there is a fee for mileage, or perhaps a minimum fee for a service call.
Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
If the price chosen over the phone will not correspond to the cost of the work when the technician arrives, do not allow any work to be achieved.
Ask if the locksmith is insured. If your premises is damaged during the work, it's important for the locksmith to have insurance to cover your losses.
You should note that 9 states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Master keying in these states will be able to provide their license number.