How to choose a reputable locksmith company

Do your due diligence

Have you ever been locked out of your car or home? Either he can’t find his car keys or he’s locked out of his house. Your first thought is usually to go to family and friends for help or a spare set of keys, but this may not work. The next steps are to contact a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the deal with the locksmith business, you should consider the trustworthiness and honesty of the company. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has found that some locksmith companies may advertise in your local phone book, but they may not be local at all. Worse yet, these ‘techies’ may not have qualified professional training and may cause further damage to your property.

Check locksmith location

This has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: A company that is not located in your area has a name for their business that is similar to the name of other local locksmiths in the area. This business advertises in the yellow pages and online directories using a local address and phone number. However, in reality, there is no storefront and the local number is transferred to a place far from your local city. So, they may not give you a quote from the locksmith service or they may give you a fake quote. When the locksmith arrives, they may want more money and you may feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that is also a sign that the business is not a genuine local locksmith.

Sometimes you can falsely spot these “Local Locksmiths” as they may have multiple listings, sometimes 30+ listings on a single phone number. All of these listings have different names, but all phone numbers are directed to a single central call center. There, operators, who may not be trained people, are dispatched to your location.

How to best choose a locksmith company

There are reliable and honest local locksmith companies. The best advice is to do your research and due diligence before you find yourself locked out or in an emergency locksmith situation. Perhaps you are thinking of increasing the security of your home by installing security locks, changing the locks and keys on the doors, or even installing a home alarm system. This is a great time to sit down at the computer and research different companies. Be sure to read reviews, check that they have a local address and phone number, and compare quotes over the phone. Also, reach out to coworkers, family, and friends for any personal recommendations they may have.

Once you’ve found a reputable locksmith, keep the company’s contact information in a safe place, like your wallet, phone, or address book. This can save you time, anxiety, and money in the future.

Tips for emergency locksmith situations

Of course, if it’s a emergency locksmith In a situation like being locked out of your car, home, or office, you don’t have the same luxury of sitting in front of your computer and thoroughly verifying the legitimacy of locksmith companies. Here are some tips for such scenarios:

• If you run out of car and you have a roadside assistance service, call it before a locksmith. Many times these lockout services are included in the membership or even through the car dealer or insurance company, depending on when you purchased the car.
• If a business answers the phone with a generic phrase like “locksmith services,” rather than a specific business name, be alert. Ask for the legal name of the company. If the customer representative does not give an answer, call another locksmith.
• Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts from the locksmith before the job begins.
  • Ask about additional fees before agreeing to have the technician come to your location. Companies may charge extra for answering a call in the middle of the night or for driving long distances. Ask if there is a mileage charge or a minimum fee for a service call.
  • Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
  • If the price agreed on over the phone does not match the price of the job when the technician arrives, do not allow any work to be done.
• Ask if the locksmith is insured. If your property is damaged during the work, it is important that the locksmith has insurance to cover your losses.
• It is important to note that 9 states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Technicians in these states should be able to provide their license number.