Top 10 Tips for Finding the Best Locksmith
You never know when you might need a locksmith in an emergency but hopefully you’ll already have someone in mind if you do. A locksmith is someone you need to trust and know they’ll be there when you need them, day or night. Here are the top ten tips that will help you find the best locksmith for the job.
- Ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations. It’s likely that someone you know can suggest a good locksmith.
- Always check credentials before hiring any locksmith. You can do this through your state licensing board, Better Business Bureau or the Associated Locksmiths of America.
- Before hiring any locksmith, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed. A complaint or two is not uncommon for any business but it’s important to know what the complaint was and if it was settled to the customer’s satisfaction.
- Make certain that the locksmith you choose is bonded and has insurance. A bond will protect you against faulty work while insurance protects your property against damage. If employees are involved make sure they are covered by workers’ compensation.
- Always ask for identification and don’t be insulted when a locksmith asks you for ID as well. It’s a sign they’re doing their job. If they’re being called to unlock a door, they need to know it’s your door they’re unlocking.
- Look for a locksmith that offers 24 hour service. Lock problems don’t just happen from 9 to 5 and you don’t want a locksmith that will leave you high and dry after hours.
- If you’re buying a new home and plan to have all the locks changed or are planning on upgrading the security to your home or business look for a locksmith that will offer a free quote for the job.
- Choose a locksmith that offers auto lock service as well as residential and business. You’ll have one locksmith to meet all your needs and won’t have to scramble to search for someone should you get locked out of your car.
- Use caution, even if you find yourself in need of a locksmith in an emergency situation. If the price seems too cheap, or the locksmith’s vehicle doesn’t look professional or they fail to show you appropriate ID and other credentials don’t accept their services.
- Once you do find a reliable locksmith, keep the phone number with you at all times. If you’re miles away from home and locked out of your car, the phone number in your address at home won’t do you much good. Program the number of your locksmith into your cell phone and keep in an easy to locate place at home.