Hire an Insured, Local Locksmith to Protect Your Property
Generally speaking, locksmiths are licensed and insured for the areas they operate in. Occasionally, a company will make a trip outside of their area to provide service in a location where their insurance and license is not valid. In some states such as Florida, locksmiths do not require a license, but this tip is very important in states that require them. Local locksmith companies will typically be insured in their own areas, so it’s important to ensure your technician is originating from a nearby office.Research Your Locksmith Before Hiring
It’s always a good idea to research a service provider before inviting them to your home or business. There are usually a plethora of reviews online giving first-person accounts of how interactions between the business and other customers have gone. You can also search the Better Business Bureau’s website for any complaints or legal action that have been filed. It may be helpful to use social media to check up on a locksmith before hiring them. There are a number of apps that connect neighbors where you can ask for recommendations to avoid having an unpleasant experienceChances are, if a customer experienced a problem involving a breach of trust with a locksmith, it will be posted online somewhere.
Use Common Sense & Trust Your Instincts
There are a few common “red flags” that can pop up with an in-home service provider. Some are more obvious than others. Here are a few things to look out for:- Unmarked cars
- No name tag
- Failure to provide license or insurance information
- Confusion about your location or the area in general
- Unprofessional customer service
- Unclear pricing
Plan Ahead to Avoid Rushed Decisions
It’s impossible to know when you may find yourself in need of a locksmith, but there are precautionary measures that can be taken to reduce your chances of hiring a sub-par technician. The most important step is to plan ahead.Take a few minutes to research several local locksmith companies. Search for reviews, ask neighbors or friends, and compile a decent list of “leads.” When you find yourself in a pickle and in need of a locksmith, you will already have the leg work done and can simply place the call.Keep a short list of trustworthy locksmiths in your home and glove compartment to avoid making a stressful situation worse.
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