Do Your Due Diligence
Perhaps you have been locked out of your car or home? Either you can't find your car keys or you locked yourself from home. First thoughts are usually to turn to family and friends for help or a set of spare keys, but this might not workout. Next steps are to contact a locksmith in your town. However, before sealing Discover more here with the locksmith business, it is advisable to think about 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' might not have qualified professional training at all and may cause further damage to your property.
Check Locksmith Locality
It has been noted and reported by the FTC in the past: An organization not located in your area has a name because of its business that is like the name of other local locksmiths in your community. locksmith Brandon in the yellow pages and online directories using a local address and contact number. However, in actuality, there is absolutely no store front and the local number is used in a place far from 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 may want more money and you feel pressured and stuck. If the locksmith only accepts cash, that's also a sign that the business is not 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. Each one of these listings are under different names, but the phone numbers are all directed to an individual central call center. There, operators, who might not be trained individuals, are delivered to your location.
How to Best Select a Locksmith Company
There are reliable and honest local locksmith companies out there. The best little bit of advice is to do your research and homework before you're locked out or within an emergency locksmith situation. Perhaps you are thinking about upping 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 back in front of the computer and research different companies. Make sure you read reviews, check that they have an area address and contact number, and compare quotes on the phone. Additionally, reach out to co-workers, family, and friends for just about any personal recommendations they could have.
Once you've found an established locksmith, keep carefully the company's contact information in a safe place such as for example your wallet, phone, or address book. This can save time, anxiety, and money in the future.
Strategies for Emergency Locksmith Situations
Of course, should you be dealing with an emergency locksmith situation such as being locked from your car, home, or office, you do not have exactly the same luxury of sitting in front of the computer and thoroughly checking the legitimacy of the locksmith companies. Here are some strategies for such scenarios:
If you're locked from your car and have a roadside assistance service call them before a locksmith. Often, these lock out services are included in the membership or even though the car dealership or insurance company depending on when you bought the car.
If a company answers the telephone with a generic phrase like "locksmith services," rather than a company-specific name, be on your guard. Ask for the legal name of the business. If the client representative does not give an answer, call another locksmith.
Get an estimate for all work and replacement parts from the locksmith before work begins.
Enquire about additional fees before you agree to have the technician come to where you are. Companies may charge extra for responding to a call in the center of the night or for driving long distance. Ask when there is a charge for mileage, or perhaps a minimum fee for a service call.
Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
If the price decided on over the phone will not correspond to the cost of the work once the technician arrives, don't allow any work to be achieved.
Ask if the locksmith is insured. If your premises is damaged through the work, it is important for the locksmith to have insurance to cover your losses.
You should note that 9 states require locksmiths to be licensed: Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, NEW YORK, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The technicians in these states will be able to provide their license number.