Have you ever found yourself locked out of your own home or car? Or, have you ever felt the need to change your locks for security reasons? If yes, then you know how vital the role of a locksmith can be in such situations. However, not all locksmiths are created equal, and it’s important to ask the right questions before hiring one.
Today, we’ll explore eight crucial questions that you must ask your locksmith to ensure that you’re getting the best service possible. These questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’re working with a professional and trustworthy locksmith who can provide you with the security and peace of mind you need. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the questions you should ask your locksmith!
8 Questions to Ask a Locksmith
Nowadays, it’s easy to find a locksmith online. However, with a myriad of locksmiths to choose from, finding the best services may be daunting. Here are some questions to ask a locksmith before hiring one to guarantee that you won’t get short-changed for the service you paid for.
1. Do you offer emergency services?
Every minute counts when you are locked out. It’s possible that there is a pot boiling or that there is a child inside who needs your assistance. It is essential that locksmiths can reach you quickly even on weekends and holidays. You never know when you will need one.
You can search the internet for locksmiths before you actually need them and keep their contact number handy just in case you find yourself in a lockout situation.
Alpine Lock & Safe offers after-hour services upon request. So if you find yourself locked out of your home in the middle of the night, give us a call and we’ll attend to you right away.
2. Are you bonded, insured, and licensed?
Surprisingly, only certain states require that a residential or commercial locksmith hold a license.Therefore, the company you’d hire for services should be capable of providing you with its license number.
You may check online if the locksmith company you want to hire is a member of Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and Safe and Vault Technicians (SAVTA) by typing in their business license number in the certificate verification page of your state. If you can’t verify on that page that company you want to hire, it’s time to look for another one. Apart from being licensed, they should also be bonded and insured for the security of the services you’ll get.
Alpine Lock & Safe proudly bears the seal of ALOA and SAVTA. So every service we deliver is guaranteed excellently.
3. Are background checks done on employees?
Before you hire a locksmith, ask about the technicians as well. How are employees screened? Are there any background checks that are done before hiring a locksmith?
Proper identification is essential when a technician visits your home. You should not allow technicians into your home if the identification they have isn’t the same as the one provided by the company.
It is ideal that the tech arrives in a clearly marked truck or van that bears the identification of the company.
4. What do the reviews say about the services?
Nowadays, online reviews make it convenient to find out how good or bad a service of a certain company is. Companies with high reviews usually guarantee quality work and great customer experience.
Take your time to read online reviews. Find out if there are any complaints about poor work or late service.
A second way to double-check your locksmith’s rating is to visit the Better Business Bureau website. Although most businesses experience occasional complaints, the best ones resolve them quickly.
5. Do they provide a wide variety of residential services?
Locksmithing goes beyond just helping homeowners with their lockout problems— some are even licensed automotive locksmiths who can help you when you get locked out of your car or if the key gets stuck in the ignition.
If you’re considering buying a home, this question is crucial. You should have your locks replaced as soon as you move into your home, including your garage door and basement doors. A reputable residential locksmith can be your first line of defense against home invaders.
Some technicians can be very convincing, saying that they can do any job, even though they have never done it before. You will be left with substandard work that must be fixed by another company.
Although most technicians can remove a key from a lock door, it is true that not all technicians can do it. However, if your door locks are damaged or you require repairs, a specialist technician will be able to help you.
This is why it’s essential to ask for the list of residential locksmith services before hiring a locksmith company.
6. Is the service guaranteed by a warranty?
Hire a locksmith that offers a warranty of the service you’ll get. Ask for a written warranty statement and get the price estimate before receiving the service you need. Having a warranty gives the security you need in case something goes wrong after the delivery of a certain service.
7. How much is the service?
Trustworthy companies are upfront with pricing and offer a fixed and variable price for services. Certain aspects, such as the labor required to perform the lock service, are variable. The lock’s specifications, the duration of the task, and its characteristics all affect how much you pay.
On the other hand, non-reputable locksmithing companies will charge you more without giving enough reasons. Before calling for a technician in your locality, always check the cost of the service. If you are unsure, you can always call a locksmithing company to get a free quote.
8. What level of experience do you have?
Locksmithing requires extensive experience and know-how to handle any lockout emergency safely. Ask how long the company has existed. Long work histories indicate that the company has been providing quality services for the community for a long time.
Great technicians are knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated towards customer satisfaction. They do more than opening safes and changing locks. They also provide security solutions.
Alpine Lock & Safe prides itself for being a locally-owned business since 1972. With such years of experience, we guarantee that we’ve encountered and handled most kinds of lockout emergencies and all else in between.
Key Takeaway
Hiring a locksmith is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the security of your home, office, or car. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that you’re working with a professional and trustworthy locksmith who can provide you with the security and peace of mind you need.
The eight questions to ask a locksmith are essential to ask before hiring a locksmith and cover a range of topics, including experience, certifications, pricing, and guarantees. By asking these questions, you can determine if the locksmith has the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to meet your specific needs.
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have. A reliable and professional locksmith will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Alpine Lock & Safe keeps your home safe with our excellent locksmithing services.
When you need the help of an expert locksmith in Eagle, CO, call on Alpine Lock & Safe, your licensed and certified locksmithing company. Our local locksmith is vetted and trained to handle any lockout emergency, rekeying, key duplicates, and maintenance. Call us now and get a quotation.
