Transponder Key Issues Problems – What to Do!

Most newer model vehicles come with a transponder key. This is the type of key that enables you to open the doors and start the engine of your vehicle without directly putting a key in the door or ignition. Now that you know what it is, chances are that you didn’t know that is what type of key you were in possession of. Some transponder keys even enable you to set your alarm and unlock the truck too. The transponder key has a chip in it. The chip is programmed to send a signal to a computer. When you activate your key, by pressing a button, the computer identifies the car as being yours and will then do what it is being commanded to do. Once identified, the chip will unlock the steering column and make use of the ignition. This is a very common key. Other than making it convenient for you to open and operate your vehicle, the transponder key also makes it very difficult for a thief to break in. If they do not have the key in their hands then it is highly unlikely that they will be able to break inside. They can no longer hotwire a car like they used to. It often cost motorist more than a standard key but many will agree that it is well worth the added expense.

If you’re in the market for a new car, make sure to ask if it comes with a transponder and standard key. When you buy a new car, one is usually offered to you. It is a good idea to always have a spare key too; this is why we encourage you to request one when you are purchasing your new vehicle. Don’t leave the dealership before you decide to get a spare key. Chances are that they may just throw another one in as an incentive to purchase a vehicle from them. If you lose your existing transponder key, it may cost you upwards of $100 to get another one made. We are sure that you wouldn’t want to have to do this and this is why it is a good idea to try to work it into your car deal. Our locksmiths at Schaumburg Locksmith in Schaumburg, IL, are familiar with how this type of key is designed and they know how to repair and program them when necessary.

Now just because a vehicle with a transponder key is harder to steal, if they have your key, this is absolutely no problem for them. They are in possession of the one thing that will gain them access to your car. If you’re keys are out of your sight for any amount of time, someone may go to the parking lot and press your transponder key to find out which car it belongs to. Then, they are off and running. Be careful to always keep your key on you at all times. Only take it out when you are standing in front of your vehicle to avoid losing it.

Losing Your Transponder Key

Again, replacing your transponder key can be expensive. Consider if you have several cars with transponder keys and you lose them both. Wow! You’ll really be out of a lot of money. It is far less expensive to have a standard key made but you don’t share the same benefits. If you lose your transponder key, a locksmith can get you another one and even program it for you. When you head back to the auto dealership for a transponder key, they are going to charge you far more than we will. This is because they have overhead expenses that need to be covered and unfortunately, you’ll be the one paying for them. However, don’t hesitate to contact them to see if they are willing to offer you discount on your key since you purchased your vehicle from them. You never know! If you’re key has been stolen, you need to have a new key programmed right away so that they don’t have a chance to find and take your vehicle. The new transponder key will remedy the problem  because when it is reprogrammed the old transponder key chip will not recognize the new chip.

What to Do If Your Key Is Not Working

Technology is great but it does have its faults. Sometimes your transponder key might not work. Here are some common reasons why it might not work and what you can do about it.

Something Stuck in the Ignition

Sometimes things get embedded in your ignition that you can’t see. This will make it difficult for you to use your transponder key. This is when you may need to rely on the services of a locksmith to handle this problem for you. It is possible for them to handle the problem without completely replacing the vehicles ignition switch.

Manufacturer Defects

If you have had your ignition examined by a professional locksmith and they have concluded that there is a manufacturer’s defect with your transponder key, check to see if you have a warranty. If you don’t have a warranty, you’ll need to have a new one made.

Communication Issue

If the chip isn’t properly communicating with the central computer system, this will make it impossible for your key to work. When there is a communication issue, this usually means that the chip needs to be reprogrammed. You can depend on a local locksmith to program your new key for you.

While these are not the only issues that you’ll discover can happen when you use a transponder key, they are some of the most common ones that our locksmiths are called upon to assist with. Knowing what you can expect will help you to keep calm and not panic when any of these things happen to you. Don’t worry! Our locksmiths know what to do when you begin to experience problems with your transponder key. Give us a call and we’ll have you back on the road in no time.

 

Article source here: Transponder Key Issues Problems – What to Do!

Burglary Prevention Tips

Whilst your home insurance covers the financial loss you suffer as a result of a break-in, nothing can protect you from the emotional trauma and shock suffered when a stranger ransacks your home and rummages through your personal belongings. However, there is a lot you can do to help prevent it from happening in the first place.

All External Doors

Fit five-lever mortice deadlocks (or their equivalent) to all external doors and you should lock these doors even if you are out for just a short time.

All Accessible Windows

A large number of break-ins occur through windows. Fit security locks to all accessible windows, i.e. those on the ground floor or near any drainpipes or flat roofs.

Going Out at Night

When you go out for the evening, it’s a good idea to draw the curtains and leave a light on in the living room or bedroom. Leaving the hall light on is not a good deterrent. Keep your garage/garden shed locked. Do not leave garden implements, especially ladders, lying around. They could help a thief gain access to your home.

Going on Holiday

When you go on holiday, cancel all deliveries, i.e. milk, newspapers, etc. Inform your local Police station that you will be away.

Car Keys

Because improved vehicle security prevents cars being stolen without a key, houses are being forcibly entered to obtain vehicle keys. Keys should:

·        Not be left in view via windows

·        Not be left on a hall table from where they may be hooked through      the letter box

·        Always be kept securely by drivers

·        Be kept out of sight and NOT taken to the bedroom at night.

Original Article Here: Burglary Prevention Tips

Related Video Here: Home Burglary Prevention Tips

Afraid with this kind of scenario? Avoid this kind of threat by upgrading your security system at home! Schaumburg Locksmith is always open to assist you!

THE BEST WAYS TO AVOID BEING LOCKED OUT

It’s certainly quite inconvenient and unsettling to discover that you’re locked out, and it’s particularly irritating if you’re stranded some place without your keys after hours. Prior to a lock and key emergency ever happening, you can choose, right now, to establish some basic principles. Decide to make these strategies here a daily habit, and you’ll never be locked out again!

 

Always know where your keys are located. Stay aware of your keys, no matter where you go. If you walk out the door, realizing that you forgot something, and then go back inside to get it, don’t place your keys on the table and forget about them! Keep your keys in your hand instead, or in your pocket or purse. If you ever lend an extra key to a trusted neighbor or friend, always get it back as soon as you can.

 

Keys, wallet, phone. Whenever you walk out the door, remind yourself: keys, phone, wallet. Keep it in the back of your mind from now on. Do a pat-down: check your purse, pockets, or pack. (You may wish to add a few more items to your list, such as: driving glasses, sunglasses, reading glasses, and so on.)

 

Store a spare key in a sensible hiding place. Placing a key beneath the mat, over your door frame, or underneath your flower pot is a lousy idea, because every thief knows to look in these locations. A fake-rock keyholder won’t be effective if an intruder already knows exactly what it looks like. It’s best to give a duplicate key to a friend or neighbor you trust ~ ideally someone who’s at home most of the time.

 

Replace defective locks. Inspect all your locks periodically. Repair, upgrade, or replace them. If any of your locks get harder and harder to open, the key might break off inside the lock mechanism. Don’t make copies of keys from keys that are duplicates already, because they eventually won’t work. If any of your locks become too worn-out, they’ll easily bind.

 

Keep a phony credit card. If you’re bold, carry one of those sample credit cards that comes in your junk mail, or a gift card you’ve already used up. Don’t use an active one, because it will get ruined. It doesn’t actually go the way it does in the movies, but it may still work for you ~ that is, only if there isn’t a deadbolt present. It needs to be a bored door lock, with the sloped ridge of the bolt facing toward you. (If the door opens toward you, then the bolt is probably facing in the wrong direction.) If the bolt is the right kind, and facing the right way, then try this:

 

1.Place the card in the space between the jamb above the bolt and the door.

 

2.Very gently, slide the card down between the bolt and the strike plate.

 

3.Push the card, and push the door.

 

4.If you’re fortunate, the door will open, and you’ll leave everything undamaged (except of course the card).

 

Are you more adventurous? Carry a pick set. If your state and local laws allow it, attempt to pick the lock. Not all locks can be picked, but it’s worth a try. Perhaps some time in the future, you’ll be able to help someone else who’s locked out.

 

 

Before you get into trouble, find a legitimate locksmith. The right way to track down a reputable locksmith is to find one before you need one. Do your homework, so you won’t get scammed or overcharged.

 

Ask family, friends, and colleagues for their recommendations. Word of mouth from a satisfied customer is ideal.

 

Do your research to locate a reliable local locksmith. Open the telephone book and the Web. Note the locksmith companies in your area, with their addresses and phone numbers. Locate locksmiths who specialize in the services you require. Utilizing the Internet, match up the phone numbers with the street addresses. A disreputable company could list a false address, or none at all, claiming it’s local. If a person answers your call with a nonspecific greeting such as “locksmith services,” ask for the full business name. If that individual won’t tell you, cross that one off your list. Also bear in mind that a fully trustworthy locksmith company may choose not to include a street address because it runs a mobile business, dispatching a locksmith professional who’s local to each customer. Accordingly, simply ask why the address isn’t listed.

 

Verify the locksmith’s credentials. When your locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card, and proof of license. The invoice ought to include the business name. The locksmith’s truck should also have the company name, and match the company name on the invoice and business card. The locksmith must also request your identification. Before beginning work, a locksmith has to authenticate your identity, and confirm that you’re truly the property owner.

 

Be skeptical if a locksmith tells you you’ll have to drill or replace the lock just because you’re locked out. A respectable locksmith will carry the proper tools, and possess the expertise to know that such drastic measures would be overkill. A genuine locksmith professional can unlock virtually anything.

 

When you’ve finally found a dependable locksmith, keep that company’s contact information in a reasonable place, such as on your smart device, in your wallet, on the refrigerator, or on the bulletin board at work ~ so you’ll always be able to get yourself out of a jam when you find yourself in a lockout situation. An excellent locksmith will always be happy to answer all your questions.

 

If you’re in Schaumburg, Illinois, consider Schaumburg Locksmith, where staff mobile professional locksmith technicians are prepared 24/7 to provide automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith solutions.

 

 

Are you locked out right now? If you don’t have an extra key hidden some place, and you don’t have someone who keeps one for you, then check to see if you’ve left a window or another door open.

 

When all else fails, hire a locksmith! You may be tempted to entertain the idea of breaking a window. But should you really risk being mistaken for a burglar? Of course not. Avoid this scenario in the future! Instead, plan ahead!

Article source here: THE BEST WAYS TO AVOID BEING LOCKED OUT

SCHAUMBURG LOCKSMITH: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SAFE IS JAMMED

Safes are a great solution to safely storing your small, portable valuables. Perhaps you use a safe at home to store your important documents, expensive jewelry, or family valuables. You may also use a safe in your commercial business, to store documents, cash, or expensive inventory such as jewelry and precious stones. While you want your safe to close securely, you also want to be able to open it when you need to. That leads to the question – what do you do if your safe is jammed or won’t open? Keep reading to find out some reasons your safe may not open, and tips to troubleshoot the situation.

CHANGE BATTERIES

Some safes are battery powered. When there is no power going to the safe, the safe’s default is to remain closed. If you cannot open your safe, the first thing you should do is change the batteries. It is recommended that you use brand name batteries, as off brand batteries can lose power more quickly. Even if your keypad lights up and the keypad is making its normal sounds, you should still do a battery change. This is because the installed batteries may have enough power to activate the keypad, but not enough power to unlock the internal mechanisms.

JAMMED BOLT WORK

There are a variety of reasons that your bolts in your safe may become jammed. If you can hear the motor working, trying to unlock the bolts, but nothing is happening – this is likely due a jam. A potential fix to this is to kick the safe. Yes – you read that right. It is suggested you turn around, and give a hard kick to the safe with the flat side of your foot (avoid your toe, and please avoid kicking the keypad or handle). The reason you are doing this is to try to jolt the bolt back into its proper position. After giving the safe a kick, try pulling the safe’s handle in the opposite direction (this is to ease some pressure off the bolt) and enter your code. Hopefully this will allow your safe door to open.

TIME DELAY OR LOCKOUT MODE

Just like if you enter the wrong pin number in your ATM card too many times, safes also have a “lockout” security measure built in. One reason your safe may not open could be because you have entered the incorrect code too many times. Depending on your type of safe, there is usually a set amount of time you have to wait before you can try to enter your code again (many safes have a default time of 20 minutes). There are also time-delay safes which work the same way. The only difference is you may be able to set the time-delay yourself when the safe is installed.

DAMAGED WIRING

Just like any electronic equipment in your home, your safe has internal and external wiring. This wiring can become damaged or disconnected. One reason your safe may not work correctly can be due to disconnected wires (such as the wires leading to your keypad), or damaged or frayed wiring. To troubleshoot this issue, you could remove the faceplate on your keypad. When you do that you can do a visual inspection of your safes wires to see if you notice any damaged wires, or wires that don’t seem to be connected anywhere. Another option is to call in your locksmith at this point to have them correct the issue.

HAMMER TAPPING

If you have a combination safe, this may be an option for you. If you find that your safe is accepting the combination code, but the door will not open, it is possible that the door is jammed. One way you can troubleshoot this issue is to take a hammer and gently tap the sides of the safe. You will want to focus on the side opposite to the hinge, and periodically try the door as you tap. The hope is that you will gently be able to tap the internal mechanisms back into place and the door will open.

PUSH AND PULL ON HANDLE

If you can enter your combination, but are having trouble turning the handle this may indicate that your safes bolts are out of line. You will know this is the case if the handle turns a little and then stops. You can try this to get your safe door open. Enter your combination code. Then take one hand and push in on the door, while with the other hand you try to turn the handle. The hope is that when you push the door in, you are pushing the bolts into a better position for alignment, and then you will be able to turn the handle to open the door.

COMBINATION SHIFTING

This is particularly for combination locks. In older combination locks, the internal tumblers can shift out of position. Meaning, if your combination is 10-30-15, the tumblers can shift to 9-29-14 (one digit down). So if your lock will not open, you can try shifting the number. First go down 5 digits, and then up 5 digits. You will try this method one digit at a time. If your lock ends up opening when you use this technique, then call a technician right away. This is a sign of age and your safes lock will eventually malfunction altogether. You don’t want to wait and end up with a safe door that will not open when you need it to.

There are many reasons your safe could jam. As safes become more sophisticated, you really need expert help to troubleshoot some of the issues that may occur. Your best bet is to call a licensed and insured locksmith to help you. Not only can a locksmith open your safe, they can advise you on what happened to jam your door in the first place. Schaumburg, IL residents have come to depend on the quality service of Schaumburg Locksmith. If you are in need of help with your safe, or any other locksmith services, give us a call today!

Article source here: SCHAUMBURG LOCKSMITH: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SAFE IS JAMMED

One of the Easiest Ways to Break Into Your Home

If you’re a homeowner, no doubt, you’re very protective of your home. You likely do all that you can to make sure that you, your family and valuables are as safe as possible. At Schaumburg Locksmith, we are here to tell you that you may be forgetting about an area of your home once you leave out, the sliding glass door. That’s right, this is one area of the home that many people neglect. What we mean by neglect is that many homeowners leave it to chance that no one will try to break into their home through the sliding door. This is one of the most susceptible places for a thief to break in. You can’t be too safe these days. Every area of your home, especially those that are most susceptible to intrusion, should be secured. The sliding glass door is usually located far enough away from human eyes that an intruder is willing to take a chance on breaking in. You cannot only do your part to protect your home by locking this door when you leave but by also applying an additional lock to provide maximum security. Below you will find other ways of securing your sliding glass door.

Securing Your Sliding Glass Door

• Install Another Lock

You should have another lock installed on your sliding glass door since the one it comes with isn’t sturdy enough to resist pressure from a thief. The lock that comes with the sliding glass door is usually just there to make sure the door stays shut. It doesn’t add a real level of security. However, adding a reinforced auxiliary lock will. Don’t take the chance of someone being able to gain entry into your home from your sliding door, contact the qualified locksmiths of Schaumburg Locksmith in Schaumburg, IL, today.

• Secure the Door

You can do more than just adding a lock to your door, there are also bar locks that you can purchase which will prevent the door from opening. You can only open the door once the bar is removed. You can usually purchase this at your local hardware store. Perhaps you have some type of stick that you can also use to secure your sliding glass door. All that you’ll need to do it lay the stick or bar across the tracks of the door to secure it. This is a simple solution that quickly enhances your homes level of security.

• Attach Door to an Alarm System

If you do not have an alarm system, you may already be leaving yourself wide open to receiving an unexpected visitor. If you do have an alarm system, it is just as important to have your sliding glass door connected to the alarm system as it is to have the front entryway connected. You are immediately alerted of someone’s attempt to break into your home through this door if it is connected to your alarm system.

Some homes actually have more than one sliding glass door. There are some that have them on the side and in the back of their homes. Every single exterior door should be secured, no matter where it is located. You may wonder why some thieves will select the sliding door to gain entry inside your home. Here are the reasons why they use this door to get inside.

• Undetected Entry

This type of door is known for being easy to open and close. All you have to do to open it is simply glide it over the tracks of the door. This process is also very quiet. Since someone can get inside without a peep, this makes entry through the sliding glass door most appealing to most burglars. Doors that open and close make noises, especially if the hinges need to be oiled. A sliding door doesn’t require the same type of hardware and thus it is very quiet when opened.

• Things Being Advertised

When you do not have anything to cover up your sliding door, you are allowing others to look inside your home. This means that you are advertising all that you have inside. Rather than letting others know what expensive electronics you have, keep it to yourself by placing blinds or curtains over your glass door. We know that you may love the door because of the sunlight it allows into your home, however, it is in your best interest to allow keep it covered up when the sun goes down. It is usually more difficult to see inside when the sunlight is out but not when it is dark outside. Keep it covered up and avoid the added attention from a would-be intruder. They are more likely to take a chance on breaking in when they know that what you have is of value.

• Insufficient Lock

The lock that your sliding glass door comes with is not a good and sturdy lock. This is widely known by most intruders. There is very little effort required in order for someone to break into your home without additional locking mechanisms placed on your sliding door. The lock that is already on the door is usually only there to keep the door shut not to provide you with the level of security that you need to keep out intruders. A burglar is banking on you’re not realizing that you need additional locks to secure the door.

If you’re a homeowner with a sliding glass door, do yourself a favor by taking notice of your door to see if it is as secure as it can be. You don’t have to do a lot but it is necessary to do something in order to keep out an intruder who may target your home. Don’t allow them to be successful in their attempts to get inside your home and disturb the peace that may currently exist. We suggest that you take every precaution necessary to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe inside your home.

Article source here: One of the Easiest Ways to Break Into Your Home

WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO

Everyone knows what locksmiths do; they work with locks! Everyone knows that! But what does “work with locks” really mean? Our Schaumburg Locksmith pros offer some helpful tips on what locksmith service can entail. Read our post and gain some insight into some of the many valuable tasks that a lock and key professional can do on your behalf. Whether you live here in Schaumburg, IL or elsewhere, you can save money and get better service by simply knowing what to expect from your local locksmith professional.

Locksmith vs handyman

Sometimes, service jobs overlap and can be done effectively by either a locksmith OR a handyman. This obviously does not apply to all locksmith tasks as you will see. Handymen can do things like change door knobs, cut keys, add a padlock, install a peephole, deliver your safe, and maybe service your alarm. In general, handymen are not licensed, insured or bonded. They can be part time help and even be inexperienced. Generally handymen will not respond to 24-hour emergency calls or be available during holidays.

A locksmith should be fully certified, carry insurance and be bonded. They will generally arrive in mobile service vehicles stocked with locks, keys and key making equipment so that you can enjoy on location convenience as well as round the clock access to a trained and experienced professional. A locksmith will generally cost more than a handyman but many shops offer affordable, honest rates and free price quotes to go with them. Schaumburg Locksmith and many of our local lock and key colleagues are ready and able to help you with any and all of your emergency, residential, commercial and automotive locksmith needs, all day, all night; anytime we are needed!

Emergency locksmiths

These are the pros you call when your situation feels urgent. Here in Schaumburg, IL you can call your favorite emergency locksmith on a 24/7 basis so that true lock and key assistance is always available to you, no matter what your situation happens to be. How can you tell if your situation is a real emergency? Simple; does it feel like one? If it does; it’s an emergency! You might be locked out of your house, car or business and need back inside as soon as possible. Your store’s panic bar might be stuck and you aren’t able to close for the night. Your luggage might be locked in your car’s trunk along with the ignition keys and the airport security is yelling for you to move your car. There are thousands of possibilities and all of them are valid emergencies if you feel in danger or stressed out because of them.

Residential locksmiths

Many people automatically think of lockouts when hearing the term “residential locksmith” but home lock and key experts do more than just let you back in after you’ve locked your keys in the home; they specialize in every part of home security and protection. A good residential locksmith can cut keys, open doors, lock garage doors, extract keys, add a safe, install a deadbolt, replace locks, change door knobs, provide security doors, repair break-in damage, lock your pool, upgrade locks, add a gun safe, install a peephole, lock your mailbox, service alarms, add intercom, and lots more!

As you’ve guessed, it pays to be choosy when selecting someone to actually work on your home locks and keys. Handymen can only do so much before you need to rely on true lock professionals with skill, training and experience. Always choose a full service residential locksmith to work with. They are a true wellspring of home security and protection that you can rely on anytime, day or night for everything from lockout assistance to security upgrades.

Automotive locksmiths

Your car only has a few locks on it. The main ones are the ignition switch and the door lock. Other locks can include the trunk, glove compartment and maybe the front seat console. That being said, these locks and their accompanying keys are all-important when it comes time to operate your vehicle. Older car keys could be duplicated by taking them to a convenience store or mail center. Not so much anymore; modern cars use transponder keys that are hard and very expensive to duplicate. That’s what makes them so good at protecting your vehicle from theft. On the downside, if your transponder key is lost or damaged, you are left with a big bill from your car dealership, not to mention the long service area wait and the accompanying tow charges. On the upside, a good Schaumburg, IL automotive locksmith can come to your vehicle’s location and service your locks and keys affordably, expertly and on your time frame! This service can INCLUDE transponder key programming and duplication, saving you tremendous time, effort and money!

Commercial locksmiths

Do you know how many businesses there are in the Schaumburg, IL and Greater Chicago metro area? Tens of thousands! Every one of them uses locks and keys and other specialized commercial hardware. A business locksmith that is skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in commercial lock security can be a valuable asset to have on board. Just as an attorney, financial advisor, accountant and tax professional are vital consultants that every business should have access to, a commercial locksmith fulfills an important and specialized role in keeping local firms safe, protected and secured from inside and outside threats of all kinds.

Local businesses that can benefit from a commercial locksmith include laundromats, shoe stores, apartment rentals, attorneys, gas stations, mechanics, HVAC techs, contractors, dentists, accountants, artists, bakers, dry cleaners, fast food locations, fine dining, auto repair, home improvement, electronics stores and hundreds more.

Add a locksmith to your life

We recommend that you find and work with a full service, well rounded locksmith firm that offers all four of the above specialty areas as well as 24-hour emergency care. Whether you are dealing with an emergency situation or simply want to upgrade your security, a well-established and skilled lock professional is always good to have nearby!

Article source here: WHAT LOCKSMITHS DO

LOCKED OUT? WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH?

Keys, phone, wallet. We keep that mantra in the back of our mind as a reminder whenever we walk out the door. And we remember every time…until that one time…when…we totally forget. Oh no! Locked out! Suddenly realizing that you’re locked out ~ whether from your car, your home, or your business ~ it doesn’t matter whose fault it is, it’s never convenient and always unnerving, especially after hours. But there’s no reason to allow yourself to get upset. Don’t waste your valuable time!

First, call that trusted friend of yours who always keeps your spare key around for you. If you don’t already have a person like that, then you’ll have to go look for a door or window you’ve left open. Maybe you’ll get yourself right back in. But…if you’re not that fortunate, and you’re still stuck, read on.

Any place you’re stranded, particularly after dark, you may be worrying and wondering whether the help you need will ever arrive at all. But don’t waste your valuable time and energy. Should you actually entertain the idea of breaking a window, risking being mistaken for a robber? Of course not! Plan ahead, and you’ll avoid this whole scenario!

Before an emergency happens, find a dependable locksmith. The best thing for you to do is to locate a highly regarded locksmith before you need one! Do your homework in advance, and you’ll avoid getting overcharged or scammed.

Ask friends for their recommendations. Word of mouth from satisfied customers is the right way to go.

Find a responsible local locksmith company. If you can’t get a good recommendation from someone you trust, then do your research. Check the phone book, and search the Web.

Make a list of the potential locksmith companies in your area, with street addresses and phone numbers. Choose locksmiths that specialize in the services you need, and confirm that each address truly belongs to each locksmith. A disreputable company might give out a phony address, claiming it’s local when it really isn’t. So, using the Internet, be sure to match each street address with its phone number. If a person answers your call with a basic greeting such as “locksmith services,” instead of the company name, then ask to know the legal name of the business. If that individual doesn’t give you a satisfying answer, then cross off that locksmith from your list. Note also: A perfectly good locksmith may decide not to include its street address, because the business is mobile, dispatching a professional locksmith who’s local to each customer. Therefore, if an address isn’t given, simply find out why.

You can also ask the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints exist. Consult your local consumer protection agency, too, as well as your state’s attorney general’s office.

Are you locked out of your vehicle? If you have a membership in a roadside assistance company, call it immediately. Roadside assistance organizations always keep a list of pre-approved subcontractors who are already known to be reliable for expertly performing standard services, such as unlocking your automobile, giving your car a jump, and so forth.

If you don’t belong to a roadside assistance organization, then find a conscientious automotive locksmith specialist, who possesses the expertise required to replace your car keys and car locks, to install a new ignition cylinder, to program your transponder “chip” key, and so on.

Request an estimate. Even if you find yourself in a lockout emergency, you should always ask for a written quote before you allow any work to begin. It ought to include parts, if any; labor; and extra fees, if applicable. A legitimate locksmith will tell you either a precise cost or ballpark estimate on the telephone. There could be a minimum charge; there may be an extra fee for after-hours work; and there might be a fee for mileage. Upon arrival, if the price the locksmith gives you doesn’t match the price you were told over the phone, then it’s thanks but no thanks.

Confirm the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith comes, ask for a business card, identification, and proof of license. The invoice should include the company name. Verify that the name on the locksmith’s vehicle is the same as what’s on the invoice and the business card. To follow correct security procedures, the locksmith must unquestionably authenticate your identity. Before any work can begin, you’ll be required to show your ID and prove that you’re the property owner ~ whether of your car, your home, or your commercial building.

Be skeptical of any locksmith’s claim that a lock has to be drilled or replaced in an emergency. An accomplished professional locksmith will bring the right tools, and be experienced enough to know that such extreme measures are probably excessive. A bona fide locksmith is absolutely qualified to unlock just about anything.

A prime locksmith is suitably insured, fully licensed, officially certified, appropriately bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. If your property were to be damaged during a service call, or if the locksmith were to perform unacceptable work, the locksmith must show proof of insurance. Accordingly, find out if there is a warranty.

When you do find a first-rate locksmith, keep that company’s information for your future reference ~ in your smart phone, on your fridge, in your wallet, and at the break room’s bulletin board at work. That way, you’ll always be able to get out of trouble if any problems come up with locks and keys ~ automotive, residential, or commercial.

Whether you seek a proficient locksmith in an emergency, or if you must hire a locksmith technician to work on a special project, you don’t want to hire just anyone when it comes to addressing problems with keys and locks. An exceptional locksmith will be happy to answer all your questions. If you’re anywhere in Schaumburg, Illinois, hire a reputable locksmith company such as Schaumburg Locksmith, where staff mobile locksmiths work 24/7 to provide automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith solutions. Free consultations are available.

Article source here: LOCKED OUT? WHEN IS IT TIME TO CALL A LOCKSMITH?