Do Your HOMEWORK
Maybe you have been locked from your car or home? Either you can't find your car keys or you locked yourself from home. First thoughts are usually to turn to family and friends for help or a group of spare keys, but this might not work out. Next steps are to contact a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the offer with the locksmith business, you should consider 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 might not be local at all. Worst, these 'technicians' may not have qualified professional training at all and can cause further harm to your property.
Check Locksmith Locality
It has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: An organization not located in your area has a name for its business that is similar to the name of other local locksmiths in the area. This company 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 transferred to a place far from your local town. Then, you might not be given a quote for the locksmith service or given a false quote. When the locksmith arrives, he might want more money and you feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that's also a sign that the business isn't a geniune local locksmith.
Sometimes you can detect these falsely "local locksmiths" because they may have multiple listings - sometimes over 30 listings in one phone number. Each one of these listings are under different names, however the phone numbers are all directed to an individual central call center. There, operators, who is probably not trained individuals, are delivered to your location.
How to Best Choose a Locksmith Company
There are reliable and honest local locksmith companies out there. Additional resources of advice is to do your research and homework before you find yourself locked out or within an emergency locksmith situation. You may be thinking about increasing your home security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, and even installing a home security alarm. This is a fantastic time to sit down in front of the computer and research different companies. Be sure you read reviews, be sure they have a local address and contact number, and compare quotes on the phone. Additionally, get in touch with co-workers, members of the family, and friends for just about any personal recommendations they may 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 time, anxiety, and profit the future.
Strategies for Emergency Locksmith Situations
Of course, when you are dealing with a crisis locksmith situation such as for example being locked out of your car, home, or office, you don't have the same luxury of near the computer and thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the locksmith companies. Below are a few tips for such scenarios:
If you're locked out of 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 although car dealership or insurance company depending on when you bought the car.
In case a company answers the telephone with a generic phrase like "locksmith services," rather than a company-specific name, be alert. Ask for the legal name of the business enterprise. If Visit the website does not give an answer, call another locksmith.
Get an estimate for several work and replacement parts from the locksmith before work begins.
Ask about additional fees before you agree to have the technician arrived at your location. Companies may charge extra for responding to a call in the center of the night 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 decided on 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 premises is damaged through the work, it's important for the locksmith to have insurance to cover your losses.
It is important to note that 9 states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, NEW YORK, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The technicians in these states will be able to provide their license number.