How to Choose the Right Locksmith
If you have any sort of problem involving locks, chances are that you can find a local locksmith that can render the type of services you need. For quality and financial reasons, it’s important to choose the best individual for the job. Here is how.
Decide What Service You Need
The first thing to do is to decide exactly what service you need. A locksmith may perform many types of services including
- Install mechanical or electronic locks in homes, buildings, vehicles, or other types of property
- Rekey or repair locks
- Make duplicate keys or electronic lock cards
- Make new keys or cards for locks whose keys or cards have been lost
- Respond to emergency calls from people who have been accidentally locked out or whose locks are not functioning correctly
Find Out Who Can Provide the Service
Get a list of local lock professionals from an online search or a local directory. Find out what services are offered by each provider and narrow your choices down to a few providers that are close to your location. Call or visit their websites to find out which providers offer the particular locksmith services you need. If you are in need of emergency service, find a service provider that can come immediately.
If the service you need is not urgent, find out which providers can come at a scheduled time that works for you. At Great Valley Lock, we cover everything. We can handle all of your residential, commercial, construction and mobile locksmith needs. We also have a 24-hour emergency service for those unexpected times when you need help. Call us at 610-644-5334 or request a free estimate!
Find out What Providers Are Covered
Your homeowners insurance or automobile association membership may cover the cost of repairing, or installing locks, or for lockout services. If services are not covered by these organizations, they may at least pay for a portion of the services, or they may have a list of providers that will charge you a discounted rate when you provide proof of your membership in the organization.
If you have a membership or affiliation with an insurance company or other association, make sure that you choose a provider that is covered by your program or listed as a preferred service provider. Find out if pre-authorization is necessary in order for the services to be covered by the organization, and if necessary, complete the pre-authorization process.
Find Out How Much the Service Will Cost
Find out how much you will need to pay for the service. If you don’t have an affiliation with an organization that offers coverage or discounts for locksmith services, you’ll need to be prepared to pay the entire expense out-of-pocket. Even with coverage or discounts, you will likely have to pay at least a portion of the bill. If you do have a membership in an organization that offers coverage or discounts, make sure that what the locksmith charges you matches up with the amount you were quoted by your affiliated organization.
Make sure that you are not paying bogus fees or unnecessary expenses. If you are receiving emergency service, and are unsure of how you will fit the expense into your budget, consider paying the bill on your credit card. This will give you a little bit of time to make adjustments to your budget.
Ask to See Credentials
Many states require these professionals to carry a license that ensures clients that they are legitimate service providers. Before your locksmith begins performing any service, ask to see his or her credentials. At Great Valley Lockshop, we’re happy to share our credential information and history with our customers. We’re proud to be well trained with years of experience!
Breathe a Sigh of Relief
After all of this, you only need to sit back and relax. The rest of the work will be done by the professionals. In the case of emergency service, you’ll be back into your car, home, or building in no time and back to life as usual. Whatever the nature of the locksmith services you receive, you’ll just be grateful and relieved that there is someone who can give you the assistance you need.
