How to Choose a Reputable Locksmith Company

How to Choose a Reputable Locksmith Company

Do Your Due Diligence

Have you ever been locked out of your car or home? Either you can’t find your car keys or you locked yourself out of your home. First thoughts are typically to turn to family and friends for help or a set of spare keys, but this may not work out. Next steps are to contact a locksmith in your area. However, before sealing the deal with the locksmith business, you need to 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 local telephone book, but may not be local at all. Worst, these ‘technicians’ may not have qualified professional training at all and can cause further damage to your property.

Check Locksmith Locality

This has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: A company 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 local number is transferred to a place far from your local town. Then, you may not be given a quote for the locksmith service or given a false quote. When the locksmith arrives, he may want more money and you feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that is also a sign that the business is not an authentic local locksmith.

Sometimes you can detect these falsely “local locksmiths” as they may have multiple listings – sometimes over 30 listings in a single phone number. All these listings are under different names, but the phone numbers are all directed to a single central call center. There, operators, who may not be trained individuals, are sent to your location.

How to Best Choose a Locksmith Company

There are reliable and honest local locksmith companies out there. The best piece of 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 about increasing your home security by installing deadbolt locks, changing locks and door keys, or even installing a home alarm system. This is an excellent time to sit down in front of 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. 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 the company’s contact information in a safe place such as 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 you are dealing with an emergency locksmith situation such as being locked out of your car, home, or office, you don’t have the same luxury of sitting in front of the computer and thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the locksmith companies. Here are some tips for such scenarios: