Locksmithing is not the most understood profession. Aside from creating keys and helping those that are locked out, what do they do? Learn all that you need personally to know about finding and dealing with locksmiths from this article. When you need the help of a locksmith, you are going to know the way to find the best.

Many locksmiths will quote you a price over the phone. If they get to your location and change their mind, do not continue working with them. They are simply trying to take advantage of the situation, and you should be wary. There are a number of locksmiths in any given area, so do not feel trapped into using someone that you aren’t comfortable with.

When a locksmith comes to help you, always ask to see their ID. In some states, the locksmith has to have a license as well, like in California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Texas. Do your research ahead of time so you know what documentation your locksmith needs to have.

If you are locked out of your car and you have AAA, call them and ask for a tow to a locksmith. Many times locksmiths charge you a bundle because they have to get to where you are. This is a great way to gain access to your vehicle for a lot less money.

The best way to find the most reliable locksmith is usually word of mouth. When you need one, start asking your friends and family who they trust. From there, check with the local BBB or other agency that will provide information about reputations. Don’t just trust anyone with the keys to your home!

Get an ID from the locksmith before you make an appointment. Ask them while they’re on a phone and say that you’re expecting someone that’s a professional to identify who they are. Ideally, the locksmith has a uniform and credentials but, the identification is the most important.

Before you hire a locksmith, make sure to ask them how long they have been in business. If it is a long time, the are likely reliable. If a locksmith doesn’t have much experience, you should use caution.

The best way to find the most reliable locksmith is usually word of mouth. When you need one, start asking your friends and family who they trust. From there, check with the local BBB or other agency that will provide information about reputations. Don’t just trust anyone with the keys to your home!

It is a good idea to ask a potential locksmith for references before you hire them. Do not ask for a list then toss it out. You should call all of the numbers given to you in order to get a good idea of how good the provider’s customer satisfaction is. Make sure to ask each reference if they would hire the locksmith again.

The locksmith should ask you for identification. Any reputable locksmith will want to ensure that you are the actual owner of the property. This may seem like an inconvenience, but you need to realize that a locksmith that asks for indentification is only trying to protect the community from theft.

Check the BBB website before you hire a locksmith to come and service your home or auto. This is an extra step that may take a bit of time, but it can save you from a bad experience. If you see evidence of a lot of complaints, you should definitely consider someone else.

It is a good idea to drive over to a locksmith’s place of business before hiring him to do any work on your home. This will give you a good idea of what type of person you are dealing with. Many scammers will give you an address that does not exist, so this can help you weed them out.

Don’t sign any blank forms which authorize work being done! This just opens you up to being fleeced for all you are worth. If you receive an estimate, try to get it in writing. If they arrive and say that the job is going to cost significantly more, send them on their way.


Ask if the locksmith has an invoice on them which they plan to fill out once the work is done BEFORE they start. Look at it to see if it appears professional. Is it on letterhead? Does it include their company name and address? Or do they plan to create a handwritten invoice? If so, send them on their way.

Always ask a locksmith to show you a copy of his license before he starts working. Legally, locksmiths are required to have a pocket copy of their license with them at all times. If they refuse, call a different locksmith. If they try to charge you just for showing up, contact the police.

Protect yourself against being locked out by making extra keys and hiding them where you can easily get them. Calling a locksmith can be expensive as well as inconvenient, so planning ahead is the best way to avoid the situation. Do find and store numbers of trustworthy locksmiths in your cellphone just in case.

Be very aware when you hire a locksmith. There are a surprising amount of scams out there. Remember, you are giving a person access to your home with this visit, so you want to make sure the person you put faith in is trustworthy. Look to your friends and see who they use.


Ask around to find out who people you trust use for their locksmithing needs. If they don’t have any recommendations, check with service rating websites such as Angie’s List. You can also ask construction companies to find out who they use, or even local security companies as they may know someone good.

Find out if your locksmith is insured up front. You should not hire any locksmith who doesn’t offer proof of insurance. Check this out as you are researching all of your options, not when he actually shows up! You want to remove these companies from your list early, not when they have your address.

When you find yourself in urgent need of a locksmith, the last thing you want is to be scrambling to learn how to choose a good one. The better route is to review the above information regularly, so you are never at a loss for knowledge. Then, call a locksmith, knowing you will get the best possible service.