4 Easy Ways To Check The Credentials Of A Locksmith
Locked out of your car? Lost your house key? Perhaps your key has snapped inside the lock at work?
We’re all guilty of rushing to Google and searching “locksmiths near me” and clicking on the first one that we find, but it’s crucial that you check their credentials. After all, you don’t want to waste your time hiring a locksmith who isn’t licensed or insured.
Here Newcastle locksmiths , NLS Security, share a few tips to help you employ a trustworthy locksmith who is fully certified.
How to determine a reputable locksmith from an unscrupulous company
1. Ask them over the phone
One of the easiest ways to check the credentials of a locksmith is to ask them outright.
A reputable locksmith will be open and honest. They’ll be able to tell you what qualifications they have under their belt and whether their work is inspected regularly.
If they can’t provide details, this implies that they aren’t licensed or they have no credentials at all. In which case, you should consider using a different company – preferably one that is accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).
2. Do your online research
Whilst you could phone them up and ask them personally about their credentials, it’s also worth doing some online research.
Start by visiting their website. Whilst we can’t speak for all locksmiths in Newcastle, details regarding our company registration number and MLA membership can be found on our website. Look out for client testimonials, too. This way, you can gauge what it’s like to work with the locksmiths before you commit to anything.
What’s more, you can use the ‘ Find a locksmith ’ feature on the MLA website to verify whether the company you’re considering using is approved or not. There are 355 members in total – and NLS Security is one of them!
3. Check Google Maps
Increasingly more companies are using fake addresses on their website to prevent customers from contacting them with complaints. That’s why, before you opt to employ them, check that their address is legitimate.
It’s a sensible idea to use Google Maps to find out exactly where they are based, as you’d be surprised how many so-called locksmiths are situated on the motorway or in a council-owned building!
4. Ask them for proof of ID
On the day, the locksmith should arrive in a van that incorporates the company logo and name. They’ll likely have a uniform that features the logo too, as well as an ID card or lanyard around their neck.
Most unscrupulous locksmiths operate out of an unmarked vehicle and will be cagey when asked to provide proof of their identification.
With that said, don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Find out how much experience they have in the trade, what training they have undergone, and whether they’re vetted.
After gathering as much information as you need, you can then make an informed decision about whether they are the right company for you.
Contact NLS Security
Whether you need a locksmith in Newcastle to change the locks at your property, repair the locks after an attempted break-in, or cut keys, the team at NLS Security can help.
Our trusted locksmiths are MLA approved and DBS checked. That means – when you employ us – you can relax knowing that the job will be done professionally and safely. We never skimp on quality and efficiency and provide locksmith services for an affordable price.
To find out more about the services we offer at NLS Security, or to discuss your requirements with our experts, call 0191 238 6000.
