Most people don’t give much thought to locksmiths. What sorts of tasks do they tackle besides making keys and solving lockouts? You can learn what you need to about this great position by reading the article below. This will ensure that everything goes smoothly whenever you require a locksmith.

If you have a key that says “do not duplicate” on it, you can still go to a locksmith and have them make you copies. Many people offer these keys because it encourages you to pay them to get duplicates. Most locksmiths won’t think twice before making you a spare.

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.

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.

Make sure the locksmith you hire is properly licensed and insured. While this may not impact his ability to fix you up a new set of keys, it offers a lot in terms of credibility and trust. Make sure anyone you use is up to date on all the paperwork and as professional as possible.

Ensure that the locksmith is licensed before hiring him. This certification ensures that he has the necessary skill to perform the work. Each state offers licensing of locksmiths. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and his pocket license. This will help ensure that the person you are dealing with is who he says he is.

Do not be offended if a locksmith asks for your identification or questions you a little. He or she needs to make sure they are helping the person that actually owns the home or the vehicle. You would not want to work with anyone that did not ask questions to verify authenticity.

Prior to allowing a locksmith to come into your home, obtain several references. Kick it up a notch and make sure to call the references. Because this person will have access to your belongings and family, you want to ensure that your trust is not misplaced.

Most legitimate locksmiths will arrive in a service vehicle. If the locksmith does not arrive in a service vehicle, you should take extra care to ensure that he is not a scam artist. Ask for identification before allowing him to begin. This identification should include a pocket license along with business cards.

Make sure that any locksmith you hire is insured and bonded. If they are missing one or the other, it would be a good idea for you to hire someone else. Being bonded will help protect you against terrible workmanship and insurance will cover any damage done to your property.


Do not use a locksmith who charges you just for showing up! Most locksmiths do not charge you unless they actually do the work. If you end up asking them to leave, such as when they are unlicensed, call the police if they tell you to pay up.

Find out how long a locksmith has been in business before you do business with them. This will give you a good idea of their professionalism. While most new locksmiths won’t get your trust right away, just a tiny bit of experience is something to be cautious with.

When a locksmith gives you a quote, ask him what other things he may charge for. Does that price include the tax? Do you give any discounts for veterans or senior citizens? Will you be responsible for any fees, such as gas, mileage, or urgency charges? Learn the total cost, and then agree.

Ask for an ID and a license. Compare the ID to the locksmith to make sure it’s the right one. While many states don’t require licensing, good locksmiths should have one anyway.

Did your locksmith ask you for identification? If not, they are not on the up and up. Imagine if some criminal called while you were on vacation and that locksmith came and let them into your home! A good locksmith will ensure that you are truly the owner of whatever is being opened.

When you need to find a good locksmith, plan on driving around a lot. Rather than simply relying on the information you might get over the phone, visit their businesses in person. This will give you a better feel for the level of professionalism you are dealing with and should get all of your questions answered completely.

Check out the vehicle a new locksmith is driving. No, it’s not to see their sweet ride, it’s to see if the car is marked with their business on the side. Most reputable locksmiths brand their vehicles, both for marketing purposes and as a way to lower the risk you feel when a strange person shows up. An unmarked car could be a sign of something fishy. Use your best judgement.

There are lots of locksmiths out there, so it can be a bit of confusion about who to hire. Call several locksmiths and ask them if they are able to come out and give you an in-person quote. This should help you figure out who is right for the job.

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.

There can be little doubt that in times of panic, a locksmith can be your best friend. From an inadvertent lockout to an entire lock overhaul at your home following a break-in, the services these professionals provide are indeed essential. With any luck, you are now prepared to find one the next time the need arises.