Locked Out? Consider These Things Before Calling A Locksmith
RH Business Marketing Solutions
Locking yourself out of your car or house is very annoying. You might feel like this can only happen to you, or that it will never happen to you. The truth is, as careful as we might be, these kinds of things happen more than we'd like to admit. A locksmith service can help you out of this predicament and get you back inside your home or car quickly and easily. However, there are a few things you should consider before calling a locksmith.
What Type Of Service Do You Need?
There are different kinds of locksmith services out there, which means you will want to find one that can do the kind of work you need. Some companies only work on cars, while others just do household locks. However, the most reputable locksmiths can do it all and that would probably be the best option for you. According to experts from Brandon Lock and Key, a professional locksmith can have you back into your home within 30 minutes. A car will take a bit longer because of the location of the lock, but it should only take about an hour at most for a trained technician. In case you need a more specific service such as rekeying all the locks in your house, you will want to find a company specializing in residential work as opposed to automotive or industrial.
Fees and Payment Options
Some companies will charge an hourly rate, whereas others will quote flat rates for specific jobs. The company should be able to tell you what kind of job they think your lock needs and give you an estimate on how much it will cost. It is highly recommended you get a written estimate and not just a verbal one. If the company charges hourly, you should know when they start charging. If there is an emergency or hard-to-open lock, for example, some companies will charge extra, so you'll want to be aware of this beforehand. You should also make sure you know what type of payment they accept before calling them because many do not accept credit cards. This is a very important aspect to consider when locking yourself out, as it may be difficult to retrieve cash in a hurry.
The Reputation Of The Locksmith
Even though you might be in a hurry and the first number you come across might be right around the corner, you should never call the first locksmith you find. If this is the first time you are hiring a locksmith service, then it would be best to check their reputation before making a decision about which one to choose. Chances are good that if they have been in business for a while, people will talk and leave reviews on websites like Google and Yelp. You can also ask your friends and family which company they use and how they liked them. This will help you make an informed decision when you call up a locksmith service after being locked out of your house or car. If you are not in a hurry, you can even consider calling two or three locksmiths, compare their prices and services, then choose the one that fits your needs best.
Be Alert For Scams
Despite your best efforts to do research and find a reputable company, you should always be alert for scams. There are several ways people can attempt to scam you when hiring a locksmith service. One of the more common is convincing you they need payment up front even though they don't. If this happens, call another company immediately because otherwise, the first one will likely never show up or suddenly have an emergency that prevents them from completing the job. Another thing to be aware of are services that offer considerably inexpensive rates. While it might seem like a great find, often when the technician gets there they suddenly bump up the price because something came up. Therefore, you should always ask for a quote in advance and make sure you understand the payment options before hiring any company.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
While many people spend money on insurance for their cars, they may not realize that companies like AAA or other car-related insurance providers can help you out in this situation. You will need to check with your policy before calling them because there are some restrictions, but it is important to know what kind of coverage you have. If the lock needs to be replaced but is still under warranty, most insurance companies will cover parts of the bill if it is for an emergency. Since this qualifies as an emergency, you should call them and see what your options are.
Locksmiths can save the day when these kinds of things happen. However, some things are best kept in mind before you have them show up at your doorstep to help you out of this sticky situation. By following these tips, you will be able to find the right locksmith service for your needs and budget so that you can save yourself a headache.