When bad things happen, do you know what to do? If you’re locked out of a car or your home, you need a locksmith. Do you know who to contact if you had an issue today? If you simply do not know, the following article will help.
To protect your safety when hiring a locksmith, be sure to check the locksmith‘s identification before allowing him or her to enter your home. Several states, including Texas, Illinois, California, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and New Jersey, require locksmiths to be professionally licensed. Ask to see your locksmith‘s license.
If you have just moved into a new place, you should call a locksmith and have them change the locks right away. Even if the former owners seem trustworthy, you don’t want someone walking around with keys to your home. The price of a lock is small compared to the need for safety for you and your family.
If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman’s club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.
When a locksmith arrives to help you, ask them if you can see a photo ID. You want to make sure that this person is who they say they are. Some states require locksmiths to have a license. If you are in one of those states, you should ask to see that as well.
Get a receipt. Most locksmiths are of course honest, but there are scam artists out there. Get proof that you paid for the service before the locksmith leaves. Place your receipt somewhere safe in case a dispute should arise.
In most states, locksmiths are required to have insurance. Ask to see proof of any policies before they start doing any work. You want to make sure that you are covered in case they do a shoddy job and someone gains unauthorized access to your home. Do not allow a low price to make you overlook this.
Avoid additional fees by using a locksmith during regular hours. After business hours, locksmith rates can vary greatly. For instance, it normally costs about $50 for locksmith services to assist with a car lockout, but after hours, the fee could be $100 or more.
Make sure the locksmith you hire is properly licensed and insured. While this may not impact his ability to fix you up a new set of keys, it offers a lot in terms of credibility and trust. Make sure anyone you use is up to date on all the paperwork and as professional as possible.
All of us need some help now and then when we have a situation that’s negative. When you don’t have a locksmith‘s number in your address book, you’re not ready. Using the tips above, find a professional you can trust and truly be ready for anything.