For people who suddenly find themselves locked out of their homes or cars, emergency locksmith companies can be Godsends. Most emergency locksmith companies are available 24 hours, seven days a week, which means they'll be able to get customers back into their homes or cars without delay. Today's locksmiths are adept at handling a wide variety of different lockout scenarios, ranging from the standard bolt lock to a more complicated electronic locking system. Most people don't ever think they will be locked out, but when and if it happens, it can be quite a relief if they already know the phone numbers of good emergency locksmiths. Here are a few common questions about emergency locksmith companies.
When searching for a locksmith that can be depended on in case of an emergency, the Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. That aside, another thing to look for is whether or not the locksmith is clearly advertising the prices for their services prior to their arrival at the scene of the lockout.
Emergency locksmiths are capable of assisting in a wide variety of scenarios, including some which may not seem like an immediate emergency. If the keys to something important like a business have been compromised, it's a good idea to re-key the entire building in order to protect all assets.
Most emergency locksmiths are adept at the installation of locks in addition to helping unlock them. Some locksmiths may also be able to help with enterprise solutions, like the installation of a badge access system at a local office.
Most emergency locksmiths will require the person who calls them to prove that they own the vehicle or house in question. This can usually be accomplished by simply showing identification like a driver's license or a car registration form once the vehicle is opened.
It's possible that an individual's auto or homeowner's insurance may make an allowance for calling an emergency locksmith but it's important to realize that the locksmith still needs to be paid directly by the customer, not the insurance provider. This provider will likely then reimburse the locked out customer after the fact.
It's important to ask this question directly to the representative of the locksmith company. In many cases, locksmith companies will not charge a fee if it is not possible to undo the lock.
Always ask hired locksmiths if they carry their own insurance for accidental damages that occur while on the job. If someone's property is damaged by the locksmith during the course of removing the lock, a good locksmith company will cover the damages.
When locksmiths are hired to install new locks or change sets of locks, they should also provide warranty periods where they come back out and provide service if something is defective. Make sure to ask locksmiths about their warranty plans before they start working.