If you have just moved into a new place, you should call a locksmith and have them change the locks right away. Even if the former owners seem trustworthy, you don't want someone walking around with keys to your home. The price of a lock is small compared to the need for safety for you and your family.
It may be tempting to call multiple locksmiths when you are locked out of your car or home, but this is a very bad idea. This means inconveniencing anyone that is unfortunate enough to show up a bit later. In some cases, all of them will leave you stranded as a courtesy to one another.
Try to call the same locksmith every time you are having a problem. It may seem embarrassing, but this is something they are used to. You don't want to trust https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1emcWm2Bt8y41i16KoPigVhM9OEaq4jgg6SwOAy32-k8/edit?usp=sharing to ask how long it will take for them to get to where you are. You can pretend to be locked out if you are just doing research. If they say more than an hour or so, they're likely not local.
Figure out the issue when you encounter a problem. Are the keys still inside your car? This is a much different situation to when your keys have been stolen. If your keys are in your car, getting you in is a relatively simple job for the locksmith. But if they are stolen, you'll need a new lock.
Be very aware when you hire a locksmith. There are a surprising amount of scams out there. Remember, you are giving a person access to your home with this visit, so you want to make sure the person you put faith in is trustworthy. Look to your friends and see who they use.
Get a written estimate before you allow any work to be done. If you are locked out, you should be able to get an estimate over the phone. Be sure to ask them about any additional fees before you agree to hiring them so that you don't end up with a huge surprise bill once the work is done.
Always know what the locksmith keeps when the job is finished. Will they keep a duplicate key in a file folder with your home address? This could be a major issue if the wrong person accessed your file. Find this out ahead of time.
Don't let any locksmith begin working on your home or car until you see some sort of identification. This is for your protection, simple as that. And there are certain states where locksmiths must be licensed as well. In those, the locksmiths often carry portable versions of the license. Ask to see it.
Before calling a locksmith, give some thought to your current situation. Think about all of the entrances to your home. Think about who you've given keys to and whether that person is available right now. Sometimes there's a way into your home that doesn't cost you the price of a locksmith visit.
Now that you have the "how" covered, the time has come to move on to "doing". That means using these tips to ensure you find a professional who does what they promise. In fact, you'll find it won't take you long to locate someone who offers great work at an affordable price.
