Keeping your home or business safe from intruders is always going to be a priority but finding a locksmith you can trust isn't as easy as it's cracked up to be. With years of experience in this business, our team has put together this guide to help you narrow down your options and find the perfect service provider.
If you have more questions about locksmithing services and if you'd like to talk to a professional directly, Champion Lock & Safe Company is just a phone call away, so please don't hesitate to reach us.
Determine the Service You're Looking for
There are dozens of unique locksmithing services, and not every locksmith will provide the services you need. Before you call any professional, it's important to narrow down exactly what you're looking for. Some of the most common locksmith services include:
- Making key duplicates
- Changing locks
- Installing electronic locks
- Repairing locks or locking systems
- Supplying and installing security systems
- Fixing access control functions
- Fixing broken locks
- Addressing lockouts
There are also specific locksmiths for auto services, home services, business services, and more.
Once you have determined what it is you're looking for, you'll be able to narrow down your search within the local area.
Find a Locksmith that Specializes in the Service You Need
Next, you want to find a locksmith that works in your local area. There is no use calling a locksmith in the next town over if there is one just down the road. We suggest searching online for “locksmiths near me” and browsing the search results to determine the specific services each business offers. Be sure to read through reviews and get a sense of the quality of each service provider before making your call.
It is also a good idea to ask friends and family about their experiences. While the internet is a fantastic place to source information, checking in with friends and family is a great way to find excellent services too.
Check if Locksmith Services are Covered Under Your Insurance
If you are trying to save a few bucks, you should definitely check whether your service is covered under your homeowners or business owners' insurance. In most cases, your insurance company will want to protect your property from costly invasions or damage as much as you do and may be willing to pay for repairs and upgrades.
Check with your insurance company first, though. Often, they will have a list of providers they work with.
Read Online Reviews
In this day and age, online reviews account for a lot. Most businesses will put a lot of emphasis on their online ratings and will ask clients to leave a review. Sifting through and seeing what other customers have to say will give you a better sense, not only of the quality of the work itself but the client experience more broadly.
We suggest looking for adjectives like:
- Friendly
- Prompt
- Reliable
- Knowledgeable
- Communicative
- Trusted
…when reading online reviews.
Review Your Locksmith's Credentials
Think you've found the right locksmith? Before you hire a company, be sure to check their credentials. Every locksmith worth hiring will have a professional license verifying their knowledge and skillset. A clean criminal record is also worth looking for – you're putting the security of your property in their hands, after all!
If a locksmith candidate refuses to show you their credentials, proceed cautiously. Any trustworthy professional will be more than happy to share this information with you.
Get an Estimate Before Committing to the Service
When you've finally chosen a locksmith, get a detailed estimate for the services you need. Once the estimate has been provided to you, double-check with your service provider, ensuring that the quote includes all fees and charges.
Some businesses will provide you with an estimate before you commit to them. In this case, it may be a good idea to compare rates from a few different businesses before moving forward.
Be sure to account for credentials, experience, and customer service when making a final decision, don't just choose the cheapest option!
Get an Invoice When the Work Is Completed
When the service is completed, make sure you receive an invoice. The invoice should outline any special pricing and discounts and an itemized list of the work done. You may be required to submit this invoice to your insurance company, and it may be beneficial if you experience similar issues in the future.
It is also helpful to know how much you paid for locksmithing services when you go to hire a similar service in the future.
Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags
There are a few red flags that we encourage our clients to keep an eye out for. They are as follows:
- Don't hire a locksmith whose prices are too good to be true. This usually indicates less valuable services.
- Ensure that the locksmith you're hiring has a business address and inquire about why if they do not.
- Ensure they have professional certifications
- If the company services an area that is too big or no area in general, you may be contacting an expensive middleman instead of a locksmith directly.
- Don't hire a locksmith who refuses to provide their credentials or an estimate
- Be very wary of bad online reviews
By following our tips and keeping a keen eye out for red flags, you'll have no problem finding a qualified locksmith to handle any issue!
Trust OUR Experts!
Now that you've read through our guide, we want to suggest one more thing. Our team at Champion Lock & Safe Company is proud to be one of the most trusted and sought-after locksmithing companies in the local area. Not only do we offer lock services for residential and commercial properties, but for vehicles as well.
Our local team would be more than happy to survey the problems you're facing and find your solutions, as well as setting up and installing new mechanisms.
To reach us, dial (210) 590-6033. We look forward to working with you!