We often don’t think about emergency situations until after the fact. Many people just assume they can call the police if they get locked out. You can make use of the information you’re about to find out so that you can hire a trusted locksmith when you need one.
When a locksmith is replacing a lock for you, make sure that they are using a new one that is in a sealed package. It is the only way to be sure that they haven’t made a duplicate. If they do, this means that they can gain access to your home whenever they like.
Call several locksmiths and get quotes before settling on one. Services come in a wide variety of prices, so you want to be sure you are getting the best one. You don’t have to call every locksmith in the phone book, but you should try contacting between four and six.
When checking the credentials on any potential locksmith, don’t forget about a possible alias, or other name under which they might have operated. While not everyone will reveal this information, it should be readily available to you online and elsewhere. While a name change isn’t always a bad sign, it’s something you should know about when searching!
Always ask your locksmith for professional identification before you let him into your home. It’s all too easy to advertise as a locksmith when you really are not one. Also, be careful where you find yours. While there are many reputable businesses on places like Craigslist, you really never know!
Check the credentials of any locksmith prior to allowing him entry to your home. Check the ID to make sure the address matches the business you called. Make sure the phone number is the same. With easy online access, you can double check anyone you want to hire.
Program the number of your locksmith into your cell phone so you can have it with you at all times. You don’t want to end up stuck away from home with no way to access a good locksmith. Make sure you talk to them about whether or not the rates will be different if you are stuck on the road.
Question the company about how much of your information they are going to retain after the job is completed. Also find out what that information will be used for. Finally, if the locksmith is working on your residence, make sure that the locksmith doesn’t set the locks to take a master key. This could be a security issue down the road.
Try to have all your needs met by a single locksmith service. In other words, the same business that makes keys for you under casual circumstances should be the same business you call in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk not really being able to trust the service or being charged way too much for it.
Err on the side of caution if you want to be safe at all times. The tips in this article can help you upgrade the security in your home. By knowing what to do in advance, you’ll feel more in control of the situation.