If you happen to get locked out of your house or car, panic can quickly set in. Avoid this emergency from happening to you by knowing what to look for in a good locksmith and having the contact information with you whenever you go out. The following tips and tricks will teach you everything you need to know about locksmiths.

Poking at a key that has broken off in a lock can really make things worse. It is best to call a locksmith the minute something like this happens. The further the metal piece is pushed into the whole, the longer it will take to remove it. This can end up costing you quote a lot, so avoid it.

When a locksmith is replacing a lock for you, make sure that they are using a new one that is in a sealed package. It is the only way to be sure that they haven’t made a duplicate. If they do, this means that they can gain access to your home whenever they like.

When you call a locksmith company, pay attention to how they answer the phone. You want to hear the company’s name. If they do not provide one, ask them for it. If you get the run-around, and the name is not given, move on to someone else. They could be running a scam.

You may think you’ll never need a locksmith, but you should be prepared just in case. If you know someone good you can call them in an emergency. Go ahead and save the locksmith’s number in your cell phone so that you have it in case of an emergency.

Before you hang up the phone with a locksmith, tell them you want a written and signed estimate before they start the job. Anyone who hesitates is looking to make a few quick bucks. You should also make sure to get a receipt after all of the work has been done.

If you are looking for a good locksmith, you should ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations. This is a service that many people use, so it is likely that someone can lead you to the right place. If not, you can try finding someone on a legitimate review site.

Before allowing a locksmith to get down to business in your home, make sure he or she gives you some kind of estimate first. If you know them well, trust a handshake. If not, be sure and get it in writing. Doing this before the work is completed means knowing what to expect in terms of financial obligation.

Contact the Better Business Bureau before hiring a locksmith to make sure that they have not had a lot of complaints. While there is nothing abnormal about having a couple, a pattern shows that this person is not reliable. It is best to know this about them before trusting them to help you with a lock.

Try looking for a locksmith that works on homes, businesses, and vehicles. This will help you avoid needed multiple people in case of an emergency. Keep this person’s number in your wallet and call them if there is a problem. Repeat business can sometimes result in you getting some pretty good discounts.

If you have a keyless auto lock, let the locksmith know that when you call and ask for his service. All locksmiths are not qualified to handle this, so you may be wasting time by holding back this information. Most locksmiths will ask, but make sure to tell them in case they do not.

Nobody wants to be locked out of their home, car or office. But they don’t want to leave themselves at the mercy of just any old locksmith either. Use these tips to know what to look for and to be prepared. The effort you take will be well worth the security you get!