9 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Locksmith

Whether you’re facing a lockout emergency or simply looking to upgrade your home’s security, you want to turn to a reliable locksmith. But with so many locksmith companies out there, how do you ensure you’re choosing the right one?

In this post, we look into the main things to consider when choosing a good locksmith. To ensure you are about to hire just the right expert for the job, they should cover certain criteria. Let’s see what these are!

Aks for proof of qualification

With so many locksmith companies on the market, choosing the right one can take time and effort. So, before you hire a professional, the most essential thing you should always ask for is proof of qualifications or insurance.

Note: Locksmiths in the UK do not need a licence to provide services. Although there is no official Government requirement for locksmiths in terms of licensing, it’s still their responsibility to invest in necessary training, certifications, and experience so that they can guarantee quality service every time.

Always check the reputation

Oftentimes, when searching online, you may be tempted to call the first result you find and be done with it. But to entrust your home’s safety to a person you haven’t checked may put your property and your family’s safety at risk. Moreover, it may cost you more money in the long run, when there’s a poorly installed or changed lock.

To avoid any bad surprises, always take your time to check the reputation of the locksmith you are about to call or, even better – look for recommendations from real people. You can do that by:

Reading online reviews

To get a better idea of the reputation of the locksmith:

1. Try to find online reviews.
2. Start with the negative and check if there is anything clients report as a recurring problem.
3. See if the locksmith or company responds to negative feedback and in what way.
4. Check some positive reviews to see what other people have to say about the locksmith’s quality of service.

Trusting word of mouth

If you don’t trust modern methods enough when screening for a locksmith, you may find it easier to ask your friends, family, or neighbours for recommendations. Their personal opinion can provide you with valuable insights about the locksmith’s service quality.

If possible, try to get at least 2-3 opinions for the work of a certain professional. One visit may not always be enough to guarantee a locksmith’s high level of skills. The type and complexity of the performed jobs also matter.

Check also:

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Look into previous experience and expertise

Experience in the field will assure you that the locksmith can handle a wide variety of lock problems. Nowadays, there are all kinds of locks on the market, including smart locks that require specific knowledge to install or repair.

And speaking of types of jobs, ensure the locksmith offers the service you need right from the start. Otherwise, you may just waste your time discussing price or your lock’s specific problem.

Check also:

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Ask if there’s insurance

Prior to hiring locksmiths, ask if they have Public Liability Insurance. This insurance protects you and the locksmith from any accidents or damages that may occur during the work.

Suppose a professional is not insured, and any damage happens. In that case, you will be left paying for all the additional repairs. All that can be easily avoided by simply checking in advance if the locksmith has appropriate insurance coverage.

Everything about the price should be transparent

Ask about payment methods and how the price is formed, whether it’s fixed or hourly. Are any materials included, or must you provide the replacement parts?

A reliable locksmith will ask you questions so the pro can get a better understanding of the situation and give you an average quote. Avoid those who give vague quotes or seem reluctant to discuss pricing.

Tip: Alarm bells should ring if a locksmith quotes very low and doesn’t ask any questions. Be aware of this because it could be a signal of low-quality service or hidden fees.

When you call a reliable emergency locksmith, you may need to answer some questions, such as:

• Are you locked in or out of your property?
• Are the keys inside the property, or have you lost them?
• Do you have a letter box?
• Is the door wooden or uPVC?
• What’s the lock type?

To give you a more accurate quote, you may be asked to send a photo of the lock. Also, ask about any additional fees like call-out, parking or shopping fees.

Warranty or guarantee of work should not be a problem

During the quotation, ask the locksmith for any warranties or guarantees for the work or the parts used. An experienced and qualified locksmith will be confident enough to give you a labour guarantee and explain to you the benefits and warranties of the locks he uses.

Note: It is a red flag if the locksmith tells you during the call that you should drill a hole in your lock without seeing a picture of it. In 90% of cases, locks can be opened without any damage.

Check also:

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Seek a professional with local presence

When you prescreen the emergency locksmiths you are about to call, check what response time they offer.

Having a short response time of up to 30 minutes means that the company operates locally, and you will not have to wait for hours to get your door opened. A reputable local locksmith will do everything possible to help you on short notice because your safety is a top priority.

So, having a local emergency locksmith can be quite convenient. Waiting for a locksmith located an hour or more away will only add to the stress and frustration you may experience when there’s a door lock problem.

Check for a physical verifiable address

Speaking of local companies, ensure the locksmith you are about to hire has a physical address, preferably in your area.

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

Last but not least, evaluate the locksmith’s professionalism and communication skills. A courteous and communicative professional is more likely to understand your needs and provide a positive overall experience.

The safety of your property is at risk when handling a lock issue, so ask for any details about the service so you can feel confident the job will be done well.

Check also:

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What to expect when you call a locksmith?

Usually, there are a few main things to go through.

1. First, you will be asked to describe the lock issue for which you need help.
2. Secondly, the company representative will ask you about the date and time you need to meet your locksmith.
3. If the situation is more complicated, you may need to provide photos, so the locksmith can come fully prepared to solve the issue.
4. Lastly, you will be asked for your name and address.

In conclusion…

Choosing the right locksmith in your area requires careful research. By prioritising credentials, reputation, experience, and price transparency, you can entrust the services to a reliable locksmith who will meet all your requirements and expectations.