Perhaps you’ve locked your keys in the car. Maybe you want to switch out some locks. There are several reasons why you’d need a locksmith. In this post, we’ll go through how to find a locksmith that is reliable and skilled.

Ask Around

Speak to the people at work, neighbors, and family to get recommendations. Ask someone whose opinion you respect. Find out what they had done for them, and when. These questions will give you a better idea of what the locksmith can do.

Word of mouth recommendations should give you somewhere to start as well.

Look Online

If no one has any recommendations for you, going online is your next step. Don’t just go for the first name on the list. Look to see if you can find any reviews on the company. You want a company with mainly good reviews. Be wary of companies with no reviews at all.

Find Out More About the Company

The next thing to check out is whether or not you can verify the information online. Does the company list their address? Are they a registered business, or just a private person? Can you verify that this is a legitimate business?

If you’re not sure, then move on to the next candidate. There are a lot of scammers out there.

Ask for an Estimate

Now that you’ve got a shortlist of candidates call in and ask for estimates. This step will give you a fair idea of what the job should cost. You can compare the estimates and see if any look dodgy.

Always be careful about choosing a company with a much lower estimate than average. You have to wonder why their estimate is so low.  It could be that they’re desperate for the business. It could also be that they’ll pile on extra costs after the job.

Neither of these options is beneficial to you.

Are They Insured?

This question is important. Things might go wrong. What if the locksmith messes up the entire locking mechanism of your car? If they do damage, will you be covered?

Ask for Credentials

The vetting process extends to when the person arrives on your property. You should ask to see their identification. If your state requires them to have a license, you can also request to see that.

Don’t be alarmed if they ask for proof that the property belongs to you. This question is common amongst the more professional locksmiths.

Put the Information on Your Speed Dial

Hopefully, you won’t be seeing them too often. Once you’ve found a company that offers excellent service and fair pricing, save their information. That way, if you need their services again, you can get hold of them quickly.

Final Notes

When you need professional help, it’s important to do your research upfront. Do take time to ask for recommendations.

In this game, it’s hard to judge the skills up front, because they don’t have to have formal education. It makes it harder, but there’s still a lot that you can find out online.