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If time is the essence, when you are locked out of your property and you are lucky enough to have a mobile phone on you, then the quickest way is to go to Google maps and search for local locksmiths and pick one closest to your location. That will give you a chance to have someone as quickly even as within 30 minutes from answering your call, if you choose one nearby.
Recommendations from friends and family can be great, but if you don’t know anyone by recommendation you can always use trade directories. The most popular and reliable ones being: http://checkatrade.com, http://freeindex.co.uk or http://www.locksmiths.co.uk. They provide a list of locksmiths with user reviews and testimonials that can help making your decision. It’s important to check if a locksmith near you can provide evidence of membership to any trade bodies, institutes or organisations (MLA, ICL, CRB checked). Your local locksmith should be able to visit you on site during business hours or outside of business hours if they provide a 24 Hour Emergency Service.
1. When speaking to locksmith on the phone make sure you explain the problem properly and ask for an idea of the price to avoid being overcharged. Professional locksmiths should give you a fairly accurate quote on the phone without having to inspect the site. In some cases your local locksmith can only give you rough estimate, that’s why it is so important to be clear and thorough when speaking with your local locksmith on the phone.
2. Ask for an insurance quote. In any case of damage to your property, the insurance company will compensate you. Ask if he’s got the necessary tools to complete the job and ask for non-destructive methods wherever possible..
3. Double check with locksmith upon arrival before commencing the work that the price agreed on the phone is still valid and if it’s not the same – don’t let them proceed with the job.
4. After your local locksmith has finished the job you should always ask for a receipt or invoice. The Invoice should have company’s details on it and show the information of costs of service you have been charged for (labour, replacement hardware, mileage, call out cost etc.) Also ask for a warranty on the works and locks installed by the locksmith in the unlikely event of if something brakes down again, it might pay to agree about any warranties before work proceeds.
5. If time is not a crucial factor – it’s always better to do your research first and be prepared for emergencies. Do your homework, find a local locksmith and have a phone number of the locksmith handy, so you won’t panic in the event of emergency.
You should follow advice above in the event of emergency and if you need locksmith fast. Otherwise you should do thorough research in finding local locksmith near you that you can trust. It is dangerous to give access to your property, car or business to someone you barely know.