Getting locked out of your home or car is really a frustrating and depressing situation especially if you have already spent so much time looking for your keys. When you happen to be parked in public area, your instinct would be to call on a friend or a family member who probably has a spare key for your car. But when this is not a possibility, your only resort would be to call on an emergency locksmith. Granting that you have never experienced this situation before, bunity the pressure then mounts to finding a legitimate locksmith service.
Chances are you go back to your office and search the Yellow Pages for listed emergency locksmiths in your area. But Wait! The locksmith companies listed in your local phone book might not be from your place at all! The Federal trade Commission which ensures consumer safety, some of the locksmiths listed may turn out to be under-experienced and not skilled enough for your car unlocking needs. Worse, they can charge you with steep rates and use menacing strategies to get you to pay. Clearly, this is not the kind of emergency locksmith you want.
Some locksmith companies employ call center agents and obtain multiple listings, in different names, in many states although their main office is located in a state far from yours. When you call any of this locksmith company, an agent will ask for your location and your impending problem and give you a quote for this kind of service. Later, the company will dispatch a locksmith in that area who will most likely be under-skilled and unlicensed.
In emergency situations, the FTC suggests that you first call your roadside assistance service instead of impulsively contacting an emergency locksmith. Upon the purchase of your car, the automobile company sometimes includes the roadside assistance service. In addition, your auto insurance will probably include this type of service along with the name or names of tried and tested auto locksmiths recommended by the insurance company.
One of the sure-fire ways to get a legitimate locksmith service is by contacting your family or friends to ask for recommendations. Surely one of them has been through the same predicament at some point in their lives! They will be able to give you valuable information on locksmith services including speed, accuracy and pricing. Experience is the greatest teacher so it is in fact, unforgettable for one who has undergone such an emergency problem. The name of the locksmith plus his contact number will remain in his phone book in case he would need the service again in the future.
When you are be able to get a recommendation for a legitimate locksmith, ask him about the charges beforehand. This should be clear and not subject to any changes once he gets to your location. Ask him the same question again as soon as he gets there. If he gives you a different quote, then do not proceed with the task. Also, steer clear of locksmiths who ask you to sign blank authorization documents.
To summarize, the FTC generally advices everyone to find a legitimate locksmith service and have it in your phone book before the emergency happens. Just like having the number of the fire department, police or the hospital, an emergency locksmith should also be included in that list. Do not be caught in an emergency without a back-up! List that legitimate locksmith company right now!
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