How To Find A Locksmith You Can Trust

Misplacing your keys or getting locked out of your home or business can derail your entire day. During these types of emergency situations, it’s important to know whom to call for prompt, reliable, and trustworthy lockout services. Beyond emergency situations, locksmiths offer a number of additional services, such as helping home and business owners choose and install locks, rekeying, and providing spare keys. Hiring the right locksmith is important — Be Secure Locksmith Ocala offers the following tips for finding a locksmith you can trust. And if you’re looking for a locksmith in Ocala you can count on, contact us today.

Do Proactive Research

Instead of waiting until you are locked out of your home or business, be proactive about finding a trustworthy locksmith. Research key locksmiths in your area and inspect each company’s verified customer reviews. Keep the locksmith’s contact information on-hand in case of emergencies. If you’ve just moved into a new property, you might consider contacting the locksmith to have the keys and locks changed — this is the best way to help ensure that nobody else has access into your residential or commercial property.

Verify The Business

Once you’ve identified a locksmith that seems trustworthy, do some online research about the business. Confirm that they use a local address via Google maps and be sure to inspect the reviews on multiple platforms, including Google. It might also be helpful to call the company outside of regular business hours to ensure they provide emergency locksmith services whenever you might need them. During your conversation with the company, ask questions about its process, pricing, and licensing, among other details.

Get A Written Estimate

Once the locksmith inspects the lock, they should provide you with a written estimate for the lock repair or replacement. Locksmith estimates may include service fees for transportation and, if applicable, any additional charges for emergency service outside of normal business hours. Some locksmiths charge a flat fee per service trip, which covers the transportation to and from the job site. Estimates may also include hardware fees if a lock has to be replaced or rekeyed. Review the estimate before the locksmith begins working to avoid any issues at the end of the service.

Ask For Identification

When the locksmith arrives — whether it’s to provide you with a car key replacement or help you gain access to your home or business — one of the most important things to do is to check their identification. Every trusted and licensed locksmith has a Master Security License Number, which should be displayed both on their service vehicle as well as their photo identity card. If a locksmith claims to be licensed but either doesn’t carry the card with them or refuses to show you the card, it may be best to contact a more transparent Ocala locksmith company.

Pay With A Credit Card

With regard to payment for services, every legitimate locksmith business should, without question, accept multiple forms of payment, including credit cards. Paying with credit cards is among the safest method of payment as the majority of major banking institutions — and a number of local banks — protect their customers against fraudulent transactions. Using a credit card is superior to paying locksmiths with cash, as cash is untraceable and offers no recourse. For additional tips on finding a trustworthy locksmith, contact Be Secure Locksmith Ocala today!