Do Your Due Diligence

First thoughts are usually to show to family and friends for help or some spare keys, but this could not work out. Next steps are to make contact with a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the offer with the locksmith business, you need to think about the reliability and honesty of the company. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has uncovered that some locksmith companies may advertise in your neighborhood telephone book, but may possibly not be local at all. Worst, these'technicians'may not need qualified professional training at all and may cause further injury to your property.

Check Locksmith Locality

It's been noted and reported by the FTC before: An organization not located locally has a name for its business that is similar to the name of other local locksmiths in the area. This provider advertises in the yellow pages and online directories using a local address and phone number. However, in actuality, there is no store front and the neighborhood number is used in a place far from the local town. Then, may very well not be provided with a quote for the locksmith service or given a false quote. Once the locksmith arrives, he may want more money and you're feeling pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that's also an indicator that the company isn't a traditional local locksmith.

Sometimes you can detect these falsely "local locksmiths" as they might have multiple listings - sometimes over 30 listings within a phone number. Every one of these listings are under different names, but the device numbers are all directed to just one central call center. There, operators, who may not be trained individuals, are provided for your location.

How to Best Pick a Locksmith Company

There are reliable and honest local locksmith companies out there. The best piece of advice is to do your research and due diligence before you will find yourself locked out or in a crisis locksmith situation. Perhaps you are thinking about increasing your house security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, or even installing a home alarm system. This is a superb time to sit back facing the computer and research different companies. Be sure to read reviews, check they've a local address and phone number, and compare quotes over the phone. Additionally, reach out to co-workers, family unit members, and friends for almost any personal recommendations they might have.

Once you've found a reputable locksmith, keep their contact information in a safe place such as your wallet, phone, or address book. This will save you time, anxiety, and money in the future.

Strategies for Emergency Locksmith Situations

Needless to say, if you are dealing with an emergency locksmith situation such as for example being locked from the car, home, or office, you don't have exactly the same luxury of sitting in front of the computer and thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the locksmith companies. Here 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. Many times, 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 your company answers the device with a general phrase like "locksmith services," rather than a company-specific name, be on your own guard. Look for the legal name of the business. If the consumer representative doesn't give an answer, call another locksmith.

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

Ask about additional fees when you agree to have the technician arrived at your location. Companies may charge extra for answering a call in the center of the night or for driving long distance. Ask when there is a payment for mileage, or the very least fee for a site call.

Never sign a blank form authorizing work.

If the cost chosen over the device doesn't match the buying price of the job once the technician arrives, do not allow any work to be done.

Ask if the locksmith is insured. If your property is damaged during the task, it's important for the locksmith to own insurance to cover your losses.