If you’re hiring locksmiths, you’re typically not having the best time. It’s possible that you’ve misplaced your keys or damaged or even snapped keys in locks.
The best thing you can do is to work with locksmiths who will cause you to suffer by delivering a poor service or charging you too much. As of 2022 the MLA was notified of more than 500 complaints of rogue locksmiths doing exactly this!
So, what do you need to look for in a local locksmith?
MLA Approved
The Master Locksmiths Association can help you locate approved locksmiths within your region. Locksmiths can only be MLA certified after having at least two years of work experience, passing an exam and being inspected conducted by MLA.
Check the claims of a locksmith about having MLA approval as many fraudsters make false claims to increase their credibility. If they’re authentically approved their name will appear on the MLA’s website.
Experience and Reputation
Although every emergency locksmith must start somewhere, in difficult situations, you’ll need someone who is knowledgeable about what they’re doing, and who is known to do an excellent job. Consider how long the locksmith’s business is in business to know the amount of experience they’ve had and if their information isn’t on their website, you’ll be able find important times in Companies House.
It’s also worth looking up reviews of the business everywhere you can locate them like Google Reviews, Trustpilot or Facebook. Find out what other customers thought and disliked about locksmiths can not only aid in determining whether they’re trustworthy, but also whether they’re the best locksmith for you in the present.
Secure and Helpful Methods
The most important sign that you’re dealing in a scam locksmith is if they attempt to cut the lock right ahead of time. A reputable and experienced locksmith will seek the best option for the client, i.e. one that will cause the least amount of possible damage to your home.
A professional locksmith (with many years of expertise) can also offer advice on some tips to test yourself before you first contact them. We’re always trying to provide the most cost-effective solution possible and never charge you for something that you don’t require, and if your issue seems like something you can solve yourself, with a little help, it could help you avoid calling out charges!
Local Service
If you’re in a position that requires locksmiths and you’re in need of them to arrive in the shortest time possible, that’s why you don’t want to sit for hours for them to drive across the entire county. Locate a locksmith within your area, and then verify the address on their site – be cautious of addresses that are listed on Google and Facebook because they are usually wrong.
Also, be cautious of companies that are national in locksmithing. They offer services across a wide area however they don’t have a particular base for sending locksmiths out of. Always ask about wait times estimates when you call and contacting a couple of businesses to determine the fastest time.
Locksmith name and contact details
When you hire locksmith services, you are providing them with more access to your home and security than you do to any other tradesperson. Thieves and fraudsters could profit from these opportunities to impersonate locksmiths and gain access into your home. That’s why it is essential to ask the name of the locksmith you choose and the description of their appearance, so you can confirm their identity upon arrival. If they’re unable , or unwilling to give these details, it’s best to consider a different locksmith.
This is yet another reason why you must be wary when speaking to national locksmith businesses because they often subcontract their services to locksmiths from other companies and not be able to provide the information that can safeguard you.
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