The dreaded day has finally come when you’re locked out of your house and have no convenient way inside. It might be easy to dial the first number that shows up in your internet search, but taking these tips into account may just save you some added hassle in the long run.
Get a Recommendation From Friends or Family Members
Finding a locksmith isn’t always an easy effort, and getting a recommendation from someone you trust can go a long way. This especially rings true if you’ve known someone in recent memory that had to deal with a similar lockout situation. Most people know what it’s like to be in a pinch and will gladly recommend who they went with as long as they had a positive experience. It’s worth at least checking before hunting for a locksmith on your own!
In case references from friends or family are off the table for whatever reason, your next step is searching online for a reliable locksmith.
Look at Ratings & Reviews
The first step to finding a great locksmith is reading about other people’s experiences via online reviews. It’s reasonable that you’ll find an occasional negative review, but finding a locksmith that has largely reliable and positive feedback should be your top priority. The last thing you need is someone coming in and making the situation worse, so it’s best to go with your gut.
Along with being choosy based on reviews, it’s also preferable to go with a local locksmith for a few different reasons.
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When looking for a trustworthy locksmith, going with a local business is always preferable to other options. In addition to investing in your community, you can usually bet that local locksmiths will know your area better than someone who moved for the job. This may not seem important until your locksmith can’t find your house or needs extra parts for the task at hand. Even though larger brands may have your best interest in mind, there’s no use dragging out this experience further than necessary.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a highly rated local locksmith, the last step is to verify that you’ll be covered in case of any mishaps.
Confirm Their Insurance & Credentials
Whether this step is advertised on their website or verified in person, ensuring your locksmith has insurance will deliver extra peace of mind to your transaction. There’s a risk of something going wrong even with the most trusted of experts, so it’s best to know that your property will be covered no matter what.
Locksmith licenses are also preferable when finding a reliable locksmith, however, only 13 states as of 2023 actually require this certification. California, Illinois, Connecticut, Alabama, Nebraska, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Oregon, North Carolina, Nevada and Oklahoma all require a locksmithing license, as well as Washington, DC, New York City, New Jersey, NJ and Hillsborough County, FL. Unless you find yourself locked out in one of these areas, a lack of locksmithing license is not a red flag. Proceed as normal and check for insurance, and your lock will be fixed in no time!