If you are locked out of your car, home, or need a new set of locks installed, you’ll want to be sure to hire a trustworthy Locksmith. Locksmiths can have a physical storefront or be mobile. Many locksmiths work on not just locks themselves, but other existing door hardware, including door hinges, frame repairs, or making keys.
Tips on how to look for the right Locksmith:
When looking for a Locksmith you can always ask your friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations of reputable locksmiths in your area. Be sure to confirm the physical address of any locksmith you find and make sure the address is actually local. Business Reviews and Customer Reviews from previous customers. Also, make sure the business does not have any abandoned/unresolved complaints.
Get an estimate that includes the cost of all labor and the replacement parts for the lock before having a Locksmith come to your home or car. Reputable Locksmiths will be able to give you an estimate over the phone. Look for a business that answers the phone with their specific business name. Also, don’t forget to ask what their legal business name is, but if they can’t give it to you, you should start looking elsewhere.
You may also need to consider asking about the additional fees including:
If you will be charged extra for services in the middle of the night or weekends or if there is a charge by the millage they must travel. Also, be careful to never sign a blank document to authorize work.
Make sure that the locksmith you hire is insured so you will be covered in case the repair leads to damages. Once the Locksmith arrived, you can ask to provide an identification and/or a business card. It’s also important to check if the business name and logo on their business cards match the name and logo on the invoice and vehicle.
A reputable locksmith will also request to see your identification to make sure it’s actually your property they are doing work on. After the locksmith has completed the job, get an itemized invoice which includes: labor, parts, mileage, and other fees and save this document for future reference. If you think you found a reputable locksmith, keep their business name and information in case their services are needed in the future.
We have listed the possible scam scenarios below so you can keep yourself falling from these scammers traps:
Providing a low price for the fix and then raising the price on the labor or adding mileage expense to the job.
Claiming a lock is unable to be picked, then drilling it off and replacing it with a costly replacement lock.
Spoofing any local phone number, when your call is really directed to a call center who then issues a mobile technician.
Using a local, legitimate locksmith business information such as an address and/or a similar sounding name when the business is actually located in another city or state.
Whether it’s for a planned home improvement, or an emergency lock-out situation, using a trustworthy Locksmith is important. Do a search before hiring a locksmith for non-emergency situations and have their contact information that you have already researched handy for those types of situations.