How to Choose a Reputable Locksmith Company

Do Your Due Diligence

Maybe you have been locked out of your car or home? Either you can't find your vehicle keys or you locked yourself from home. First thoughts are typically to turn to friends and family for help or a group of spare keys, but this might not workout. Next steps are to get hold of a locksmith in your town. However, before sealing the offer with the locksmith business, it is advisable to think about the reliability and honesty of the company. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the country'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 may cause further harm to your property.

Check Locksmith Locality

It has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: A company not located in your area has a name because of its business that is like 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 local number is transferred to a place definately not your local town. Then, you may not be given a quote for the locksmith service or given a false quote. Once the locksmith arrives, he might want more money and you feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that's also an indicator that the business isn't an authentic local locksmith.


Sometimes it is possible to detect these falsely "local locksmiths" as they could have multiple listings - sometimes over 30 listings in a single phone number. All these listings are under different names, however the phone numbers are all directed to a single central call center. There, operators, who will not be trained individuals, are delivered to your location.

How to Best Select a Locksmith Company

You can find reliable and honest local locksmith companies on the market. The best piece of advice is to do your research and homework before you find yourself locked out or in an emergency locksmith situation. You may be thinking about increasing your security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, and even installing a home alarm system. This is a fantastic time to sit back while watching computer and research different companies. Be sure you read reviews, check that they have a local address and phone number, and compare quotes over the phone. Additionally, reach out to co-workers, family members, and friends for any personal recommendations they may have.

Once you've found a reputable locksmith, keep carefully the company's contact information in a safe place such as your wallet, phone, or address book. This may save you time, anxiety, and profit the future.

Tips for Emergency Locksmith Situations

Of course, if you are dealing with a crisis locksmith situation such as 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 strategies 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 contained in the membership or even though the car dealership or insurance provider depending on when you bought the car.
In case a company answers the phone with a generic phrase like "locksmith services," rather than company-specific name, be on your guard. Require the legal name of the business. If the customer representative does not give a remedy, call another locksmith.
Get Restricted master keying North Brisbane for all work and replacement parts from the locksmith before work begins.
Ask about additional fees before you agree to have the technician arrived at where you are. Restricted master keying North Brisbane 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 chosen over the phone does not correspond to the cost of the work once the technician arrives, do not allow any work to be achieved.

Ask if the locksmith is insured. If your property is damaged through the work, it is important for the locksmith to possess insurance to cover your losses.

You should remember that 9 states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The technicians in these states will be able to provide their license number.

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Pub: 23 Apr 2024 08:01 UTC
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