Keeping door lock efficient is essential for your home. If anything goes wrong with your locks, you need to hire the right locksmith who can fix that. Whether it’s lock maintenance, repair or an emergency lockout, choosing the right service provider is key.
Hiring a locksmith is a security concern for your home or business. So, you need to ensure the hired professional should be knowledgeable, skilled, and deliver quality service. The right locksmith always asks for fair prices for the work they do.
You need to keep in mind that you’ll come across many locksmiths out there. So, choosing the best one can be difficult. Thus, we have come up with the seven steps for choosing the right residential locksmith to make it easier for you and help stay away from any kind of scam which confuse customers.
1.Be mindful of the locksmith services you need
The first thing to do is to decide exactly what service you need. You want to be sure when contacting a locksmith, that they are able to perform the right types of services. Common requests involve:
- Installing electronic locks at residential and commercial properties,
- Repairing, Rekeying, or changing the locks,
- Making duplicate keys,
- Replacing electronic access cards and key fobs,
- Supplying, installing, or servicing high-security, commercial locks and doors,
- Fixing accidental lockouts or broken locks.
2. Find out who can provide the right service
Search online to get a list of local lock professionals or a local directory. It is essential to find out what services are offered by each provider and narrow down your choices to the service provider who can fit your needs. Next, call or visit their websites to see which companies offer the particular locksmith services you need. The service depends on the company they specialize in which could be either residential, commercial, or emergency calls.
If the service you need isn’t urgent, find out which locksmith companies can schedule someone to come at a time that works for you.
3. Know if your locksmith is covered
You can cover the cost of repairing or installing locks or for lockout services if you have homeowner’s insurance or automobile association membership. If they aren’t covered, they may have a list of providers which charge a discounted rate for members.
Whether you have insurance or are a member of an association like AAA, your preferred company should be covered by it. Sometimes pre-authorization is needed to qualify for coverage. Check with your insurance carrier or membership association to find out the necessary steps.
4. Get an Estimate for the Cost of Services
Getting to know the cost of the services will help you know what’s the best fit for your budget. You should find out how much you will need to pay for the service. If you’ve got the membership including the discounts, make sure the provided estimate of the locksmith includes that. Confirm that the estimate reflects all of the related fees and charges. You can also ask for a written copy of the quotes requested.
5. Request to see credentials
Valid license matters to know whether your locksmith has expertise in the field. If they have a license, it can give you more peace of mind. Certified Locksmiths have verified professional knowledge and skills. Locksmith licenses in most states require professional certification and a clean criminal background.
You can also request the locksmith’s business card. The name of the company has to be matched on the estimate. All the certifications and credentials help know clients that the service providers are legitimate. Before a hired locksmith begins performing any service, ask for the credentials. If they have professional certifications, they should be glad you asked and happy to show you.
6. Pay attention to the documentation
When the locksmith shows up to do the repairs or services needed, make sure to confirm the estimate provided. It’s best not to pay before you haven’t checked out and agreed up the work quoted.
The locksmith may ask to see your ID and fill out an authorization form. This is the sign of a reliable locksmith professional. They should ask for identification and other information to confirm that you are actually the property or car owner before starting the job.
The typical authorization form, asks for your:
- Name,
- Address,
- Phone number,
- ID number,
- Locksmith services requested, and
- Signature.
This is the standard procedure to follow.
7. Get an Invoice for the Locksmith Services
Once the needed work is done, you should not forget to get a copy of the invoice with the final cost of services. Any replacement locks, the locksmith labor time, and special emergency service pricing should be mentioned in the invoice. To get your insurance covered, you’ll need to submit this itemized document to your insurance company or membership association.
What to Avoid When Hiring a Locksmith
Here are some signs that a locksmith might not be reliable.
- Prices seem too good to be true. Often the price you end up paying is much higher.
- There is no specified address for the business.
- There is no specified service area or the service range is very large. This is often a sign that you are contacting a middleman which will add extra fees to the locksmith’s service charge.
- Lack of professional certifications, including ALOA certification.
- No estimate is provided for repair work.
- Bad online reviews.
Hire A Reliable Locksmith At Staso Locksmith
At StasoLocksmith.ca, we cover everything. We can handle all your residential, commercial, construction, and mobile locksmith needs. If you are locked out of your home or car, our licensed technicians even provide 24-hour emergency services. Call us at 204-819-5215 or request a free estimate.