Security Checklist Before Your A Hire A Local Locksmith

There are many reasons to reach out to an emergency locksmith, from emergency lockouts to security installations and more. Depending on your area, however, you might be faced with many locksmith options. You have to ask the question: who can I trust my safety with the most?

You should look for a locksmith or locksmith agency that values experience, professionalism, and skill. Luckily, we know and work with many locksmiths, including the experts at Lock & Key, which is why we’ve created this list of essential tips to help you make an informed decision when hiring a locksmith. Before hiring a professional locksmith, consider taking action on the following:

Check the Locksmith’s Reputation

In today’s business world, it’s never been easier to check someone’s reputation. Whether it’s a business or an individual, their reputation can often tell you everything you need to know about their services.

For instance, if you see multiple reviews about poor performance or a rude attitude, you can move on to another service. Similarly, 100 five-star reviews likely indicate a quality locksmith. Check the reputation of a locksmith before hiring them to avoid any unwanted or disappointing experiences.

Online reviews

Reading reviews online is perhaps the best way to get a gauge for a locksmith’s reputation. Websites like Yelp and Google reviews are generally reliable, as they allow former customers to give input on their experience with the service provider. You can filter by positive or negative reviews, and it’s a good idea to see if any of the negative reviews overlap. For example, if you see that multiple people have reported that the locksmith was late, there’s likely a chance that you’d be working with a less-than-punctual individual. Take a look at the overall rating and remember that not everyone is truthful and honest when leaving a review.

Word of mouth

If you have any friends or family members who recommend a locksmith, you can trust that it’s a good lead. Not only is it a good sign that someone you know personally had a good experience with them, but your friends or family also understand your lifestyle and what type of professional you’d feel comfortable working with. Try asking those close to you if they’ve worked with any locksmiths first-hand.

Understand Which Services They Provide

This is an important point particularly if you have an unusual or niche lock and key problem. Locksmiths can generally fix most lock-related issues, from stuck keys to broken cylinders, but you should make sure that they can accommodate your specific request. This can be done during a consultation phone call, just remember to give precise details regarding your reason for the call. Some locksmiths also list their services online, so taking a look at their website can give you an idea of their overall abilities.

Ask for their Qualifications

Surprisingly, locksmiths in the UK are not required to get national or independent accreditations. Unregulated and uncertified locksmiths aren’t necessarily bad choices, but there’s no reason to take a risk when it comes to your property. This means that you should ask locksmiths about their qualifications before hiring them to work on a lock.

City & Guilds is a highly regarded and well-respected organisation, and a locksmith agency with a certificate from City & Guilds indicates that they have a higher level of training. If the locksmith in question has an official certification or accreditation, they’re a much better candidate for your business.

Ask about Insurance

Much like certifications, locksmiths frequently carry insurance to help safeguard their business. They often have Public Liability Insurance and Commercial Property Insurance. Insurance protects them from absorbing damages if they cause damage, and it protects you from having to pay for any mistake on their part.

Locksmiths without insurance have no protection from mistakes or accidents that happen on your property. This means that nothing is stopping you from getting sued in the event of an accident while the work is taking place. Make sure to ask about the locksmith’s current insurance policy to ensure the safety of your property and finances.

Ask About Their Guarantees

As a company in today’s world, it’s difficult to operate your business without offering some type of guarantee for your work. However, many companies skate by without such guarantees, making them riskier to hire. When you call a locksmith agency, ask about the guarantees that they offer. Make sure they can provide replacement parts if a lock breaks a few months down the line. A good locksmithing company will make good on any workmanship and equipment warranties.

Also, ask the locksmith about any guaranteed response times. If you’re in an emergency situation and need a locksmith to reach you ASAP, you can’t afford to wait around for hours. Many local locksmith companies want to stay competitive, and they’ll advertise short response times. To protect your peace of mind, try to find a service that can reach you in less than an hour of your call.

Is their Pricing Transparent?

Unfortunately, the locksmith industry is fraught with scams and fraud. Because of the technical nature of the trade, hidden fees can be added to the bill. You might encounter call-out charges for simply requesting them to come out. Some locksmiths also charge per half hour, or even in 15-minute increments. This can add up fast and cost you more than necessary. Look out for local companies, such as Lock & Key, that refuse to charge call-out fees or in small increments.

If a locksmith is upfront with their pricing and clear about their pricing strategy, that’s a good sign. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a quote, consider contacting a few agencies to compare prices.

Remember that emergency services can be priced at a higher rate because it puts an extra demand on the locksmith. This is another reason why it’s important to get multiple quotes, if possible.

Verify the Locksmith’s Address

It’s a great idea to verify a locksmith’s address before calling them out. This can give you a sense of their legitimacy and ability to serve you.

Avoid locksmiths who operate solely online or lack a clear, verifiable address. A locksmith without a visible physical address may just be trying to attract clients without having the actual availability to serve all appointments.

Even if you search the map results, try to verify the provided local address. You can check for at least two or three other instances where the same address is associated with the same locksmith.

Additionally, make sure that the locksmith provides a local phone number rather than a national call centre. Hiring local professionals means they can respond to your needs quickly.

Professionalism and communication

When doing your research on a locksmithing company, pay extra attention to any notes about the locksmith’s professionalism or communication. You can typically search for this when reading reviews, so make sure to read through positive and negative ones with this in mind. A professional and friendly locksmith can listen to your exact needs and find solutions to fix your problem. On the other hand, an unprofessional locksmith can make for a difficult overall experience.

Chances are, you’ll be able to get a gist of their professionalism when talking to them on the phone. If you get any early warning signs that they might have difficulties with communication, that’s a good reason to search for someone else.

Be Prepared to Give Accurate Information

Locksmiths typically have to collect some information from you to generate a quote, and in some cases, to determine whether or not they can meet your request. Once this information is collected, they can give you an estimate for the repair.

Expect to describe the issue in full when consulting with a locksmith. They may ask you for pictures to help get a better understanding of the problem at hand. If it’s an emergency situation, be sure to address that at the beginning of the conversation. Otherwise, they will likely ask you to specify a preferred time and date for the service.

Failing to accurately describe your reason for calling a locksmith can result in an overcharge, especially if a locksmith has to spend extra time at your location. Some locksmithing agencies offer home surveys and can send a professional out to your property to help identify your security needs.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of UK locksmithing services to pick from, and it’s crucial to find one that can properly take care of you. With the help of the internet, however, the process can be simple and effective.

Make sure to find someone located near your property to ensure a lower response time. Use online reviews to gauge their overall reputation in the community, as well as potential red flags. When calling a locksmith, don’t be afraid to ask about their accreditations, insurance, or other credentials. If a quote is given to you over the phone, make sure you’re clear on the cost. Be prepared to walk away if the locksmith lacks transparency when telling you a price.

By doing careful research on a locksmith, you can ensure that your property will be taken care of. With luck, you’ll find a locksmith that’s reliable, quick, and within your budget. By following these tips you can maximise your chances of success!