When you think about your car keys, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, it’s making sure that they have the battery replaced in their fob. For others, it’s making sure that there’s a working copy made so that a spouse or child can borrow the car if needed. However, there’s another need – what if your key is lost, or is stolen? How will you get into your car then? How will you crank your car? The answer is to make sure you have a car locksmith, but how do you ensure you’re making the right choice?
References Matter
One of the first things to consider is the company’s reputation. That can be challenging to assess, even today with our Internet-connected world. The best way to go about doing this is to ask for references from other customers. A reputable car locksmith should be able to provide you with plenty of references willing to speak of their character, their rates, their dependability, their punctuality and other considerations that tie into reputation and value.
Get an Estimate
It’s important to make sure that any car locksmith you’re considering is on the up and up, and one way to do that is to get an estimate before you ask them to help you get into your car or to cut a new key for your car. Simply call the locksmith, provide them with the make and model, and then explain the situation. You should be given a rough estimate for parts and labour over the phone. However, be aware that this is just an estimate, and may be rough. Still, it should at least be close to what you are ultimately charged. Note that in some cases, driving charges may be added to the estimate, particularly if you are located outside of a specific service area.
They Require Identification
Make sure that the locksmith you call requires you to show identification to prove that you own the car. This is vital so that the locksmith does not inadvertently help thieves to steal your car. Providing the locksmith with valid identification helps ensure that everything is above-board. If the locksmith does not require you to provide identification, use a different provider.
Insured
Finally, it is vital that the car locksmith you choose is insured. While a skilled professional will be able to do their job well in almost all instances, there is always the chance that repairs will lead to damage. If this occurs, the locksmith’s insurance will need to cover that damage.
As you can see, there’s a great deal that goes into choosing the right car locksmith. Ultimately, you need to find a trustworthy professional that can offer prompt, professional service, and who will not take advantage of your situation to overcharge you.
We invite you to contact a company such as Advanced Lock and Key. Companies like that are licensed, insured, and dedicated to providing superior customer service.
