We all know the feeling. You look for your keys in your jacket pocket. Not there. You look in the two or three other places you usually leave them. That sinking feeling does overwhelm you before you start calling your family or close friends near Home looking for help. They don’t have any spare keys, nor do you have any other option. You have to call a locksmith.

Hiring the right locksmith

1. Prepare

That’s right. Finding the right locksmith is something you can prepare for by asking around your personal network or researching one online. I recommend doing this is if you are someone like my brother, who has lost seven sets of keys and thirteen bankcards (but hey who’s counting?). Find one in advance and make sure you add them to your phone contacts or keep their business card handy.

2. Go reputable and established

This is like finding the right mechanic. Well, maybe not that hard. Finding the right locksmith is a lot simpler when you go for a big brand name because they are likely to hurt more by negative feedback.

3. Go local

Of course, you should be going local! But what I mean by this is perhaps check with the company how long it would take for them to come out, and get a quoted price that you can put to the locksmith when he turns up.

The shorter the distance, the less leverage in play. When finding the right locksmith, it’s important to be smart, or in this case, be vigilant. This includes checking company logo, name and perhaps even noting down the vehicle registration number.

4. Confirm the price up front

Who would have thought that when finding a good locksmith, it would be important to check the price up front? Not only is this essential, but it also protects you from a solo, money-hungry locksmith turning up either as part of a company, or private, who might try negotiating, or shaking a few extra dollars out of you.

5. Check they are licensed and insured

If you don’t like being walked on or taken advantage of, then ensure that finding the right locksmith isn’t one of these experiences by asking to see for licenses and insurance coverage. Without it, don’t let the locksmith even bother starting.