There will come a time in many of our lives when we need the services of an emergency locksmith, and knowing one that you can trust and depend upon in such an instance, can be a godsend. However, many of us don’t know where to start when choosing an emergency locksmith, so here are 7 tips to help you make the right choice:
- Go local
Begin your search for a good emergency locksmith in your locality, as not only will they be more likely to reach you quicker, but their insurance and licensure will be valid in your area.
- Always choose a certified locksmith
Making sure that your chosen emergency locksmith is certified is very important, and proves that they have the relevant knowledge and training to carry out their job professionally. There are multiple certifications, but attaining any one of them means that the individual has demonstrated adherence to the latest standards of locksmithing practice and technical proficiency.
- Always choose a licensed locksmith
There are 15 states requiring that a locksmith be licensed, and if you live in one of them, be sure to check the credentials of your chosen emergency locksmith:
Alabama
California
Connecticut
Illinois
Louisiana
Maryland
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
If you live in a state not listed above, or are unsure of a company’s licensure status, you can check with the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, and online complaint sites to see if there are any complaints lodged against the company.
- Check that they have up-to-date insurance
It’s not unheard of for damage to be caused to your car, home or business during a lockpicking job or after a security system has been installed, so it’s important to check that the emergency locksmith has current insurance. An insured emergency locksmith will be able to provide proof of insurance and, should any damage occur to your property, the coverage will protect both you and their company.
- Hire a specialized emergency locksmith
Many locksmiths will operate on an emergency basis, but of course they rarely offer this service alone, instead, making themselves available to offer professional assistance with all manner of locksmith services, from commercial and residential lock installation, to safe installation and key duplication. Find a locksmith who can offer a variety of services, and make them your one stop shop for all your locksmith needs.
- Get recommendations from friends and neighbors
To help set yourself up with a locksmith should you happen to need one in the future – for an emergency or otherwise – ask friends and neighbors for honest recommendations.
- Check online listings and reviews
Simply conducting an online search via Google My Business to check for reviews, or on their social media business page, you’ll doubtless discover a lot more about them and the quality of their services.
By following the steps above and making sure you do so right away, not when you actually find yourself in an emergency situation, you can find an emergency locksmith who’ll help get you out of a fix any time of the day or night.