Chances are that you will need to call a locksmith when you are in a bind. For instance, you may have locked yourself out of your home and have no way to get in or locked your keys in your car at the mall and are stranded without a way to open your car doors.
Thankfully, emergency locksmith services are there for these types of situations. Without the ability to do a lot of research on the fly, it helps to know some potential locksmith scams that can be avoided. These tips will help you find a locksmith that is trustworthy to help you out.
Avoid Drilling Your Locks
A scam you might run into is a locksmith that is eager to drill out your lock. They will make up an excuse that your lock is difficult to pick or that your lock is too secure and that there is no other option. Drilling is not necessary for most situations.
If you are trying to get into a home or car with a basic lock, it is possible to pick the lock with enough time and resources. A locksmith that wants to immediately start drilling is looking to make an extra buck on replacing the lock in addition to getting the door unlocked.
For auto lockouts, make sure that a locksmith tries all options before they resort to drilling. There are special tools that fit between the door and the glass that are capable of lifting the locking mechanism inside the door. This is one of the easiest ways to get into a car that will not cause any damage.
Know the Price of Emergency Service
Some locksmiths will charge a base amount for their services, which is what you’ll pay just for having them come out to your home or parked car. Ask about additional costs to travel to your location. You may be surprised to find out that there is a charge for additional mileage or because the service has been requested at an odd hour. Those charges are normal and acceptable, but make sure you know what they are before you agree to hire them.You will also want clear pricing on the services that the locksmith is offering. Is there a different charge for having lock picking done for a home or a car? If the first method does not work, will you be charged more to try another method? Make sure you are well aware of what the final bill could be.
Use a Licensed Locksmith
The laws in Florida about locksmith licenses can be a bit tricky. While there are 15 states that require locksmiths to have a license, Florida is not one of them. However, Miami-Dade County does require that all locksmiths working within their boundaries have a locksmith license.
If you are hiring a locksmith based out of Miami-Dade County, you should always ask to see their license before they begin working on your home or car. These licensed locksmiths will have gone through a criminal background check and have been fingerprinted at a local police station. Licensed locksmiths in Miami-Dade County will also have a minimum of one year of experience through previous employment or an apprenticeship.
If you are locked out and in need of assistance, know that you can depend on Ben’s Locksmith for 24/7 emergency
