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Do Your Due Diligence

Have you ever been locked from your car or home? Either you can’t find your car keys or you locked yourself out of your home. First thoughts are usually to turn to friends and family for help or a set of spare keys, but this may not workout. Next steps are to contact a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the offer with the locksmith business, it is advisable to consider the reliability and honesty of the business. Digital Locks (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has uncovered that some locksmith companies may advertise in your local telephone book, but might not be local at all. Worst, these ‘technicians’ might not have qualified professional training at all and can cause further damage to your property.

Check Locksmith Locality

It has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: An organization not located in your neighborhood has a name for its business that is like the name of other local locksmiths in your community. The corporation advertises in the yellow pages and online directories using a local address and contact number. However, in actuality, there is no store front and the neighborhood number is transferred to a place far from your neighborhood 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 also feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that is also a sign that the business is not a geniune local locksmith.

Sometimes it is possible to detect these falsely “local locksmiths” because they may have multiple listings – sometimes over 30 listings in one phone number. All these listings are under different names, however the phone numbers are directed to a single central call center. There, operators, who might 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 homework before you’re locked out or within an emergency locksmith situation. You may be thinking about upping your security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, as well as installing a home security alarm. This is an excellent time to sit back in front of the computer and research different companies. Be sure to read reviews, check that they have a local address and contact number, and compare quotes over the phone. Additionally, reach out to co-workers, family members, and friends for just about any personal recommendations they could have.

Once Digital Locks found an established 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 profit the future.

Tips for Emergency Locksmith Situations

Of course, for anyone who is dealing with an emergency locksmith situation such as for example being locked out of your car, home, or office, you do not have exactly the same luxury of near the computer and thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the locksmith companies. Here are some tips for such scenarios:

If you’re locked out of your car and also 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 company depending on when you bought the car.

If a company answers the telephone with a generic phrase like “locksmith services,” rather than company-specific name, be alert. Ask for the legal name of the business enterprise. If the customer representative does not give an answer, call another locksmith.

Get an estimate for several work and replacement parts from the locksmith before work begins.

Enquire about additional fees before you consent to have the technician arrived at where you are. Companies 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 a minimum fee for a service call.

Never sign a blank form authorizing work.

If the price chosen over the phone does not correspond to the price of the work when the technician arrives, don’t allow any work to be done.

Ask if the locksmith is insured. If your property is damaged during the work, it is important for the locksmith to have insurance to cover your losses.

You should remember that 9 states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, NJ, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The technicians in these states will be able to provide their license number.