Hiring a Locksmith Safety Tips

Hiring a locksmith isn't something you usually do for fun - in fact, it's often a lockout that spurs such a call. But whether you're trying to get back into your apartment or replacing the locks on a new apartment, you want to work with a trustworthy and high-quality professional. Here are a few tips for hiring a safe, respected locksmith:

1. Ask Around and Research
If you're in an emergency situation, it's not always possible to ask a number of friends and family members to provide suggestions. However, you can ask a friend you know has recent experience with a lockout or take a few minutes to look up ratings and reviews of local locksmiths online. If you're making a proactive call, you have plenty of time to investigate and choose a highly regarded professional. Either way, don't simply call the first number you find - do some legwork first.

2. Get an Estimate Before Service Starts
Ideally, if the problem you're facing is a common one, you can get ballpark figures from more than one locksmithing service before committing to the work. If you're not in an emergency situation, then it's worth the time to call around for estimates. If a locksmith doesn't want to provide an estimate, they're likely not the kind of business you want to work with. If time is of the essence, then at least ask for an estimate before work begins. It can be difficult to gauge whether or not you're getting a fair deal, but let common sense prevail. A simple lockout shouldn't result in sky-high costs, for example.

3. Ask for ID and Get the Details
An article from criminal protection expert Robert Siciliano recommends getting proof before beginning work or paying a locksmith. He warned against using services where the phone is answered with a generic term like "locksmith" instead of the actual business name, although a few follow -up questions are needed. If the operator can't say where the technicians are based and if they're licensed or can't have the locksmith bring their license and ID to the worksite, then they could be less than legitimate. The California Department of Consumer Affairs says a locksmith who requires payment on arrival or threatens a customer in any way isn't legitimate and the police should be called.

4. Do All of This Ahead of Time
While it's not high on the priority list once you move into a new house or apartment, it's ultimately better to find a trustworthy locksmith early on than to have to rush to find one when the time comes. Phoenix, Arizona-based Metro Lock & Safe, Inc. says doing the legwork ahead of time ultimately puts you in a better position to pick the locksmith who suits your needs.

Picking a locksmith isn't on most people's to-do lists, but you can save yourself a major headache down the road by finding a reputable service provider now.