It’s even more chaotic when you haven’t prepared.

When time is of the essence, it’s important to be rational. This is even true in emergency locksmith situations, as hiring the wrong locksmith could make your problem worse. Here are some tips to help you find the right emergency locksmith in a pinch.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe First

The locksmith definitely shouldn’t be the first one you call—and they might even be third on the list. Before you call an emergency locksmith, make sure everyone is safe, and there are no urgent health risks. If you’re locked out of a car, for example, make sure everyone with you is safely away from the road. Or, if you’re locked out of your home, you need to ensure no one is inside (especially a minor). If there is a safety issue, call 911, and consider calling your insurance company next if there is any property damage. Then you can call a locksmith.

2. Check for Immediate Solutions

We tend to forget about common sense when we’re in an emergency situation, leading many of us to overlook simple solutions right in front of us. If you’re locked out of your home, for instance, you don’t need to panic. Check for any spare keys or contact friends, family or neighbors to see if they have one (even if you don’t remember giving them a copy). You may also be able to access your home or vehicle through the window or door, so there are potential solutions available. Check them before calling a locksmith.

3. Don’t Just Call the Nearest Locksmith

You might be tempted to hire whichever emergency locksmith is closest to you, or the one who can get there the quickest. But you don’t want to just hire anybody. For example, dishonest locksmiths might try to take advantage of the situation and overcharge you. Or, they aren’t experienced, and might damage your vehicle, home or office by attempting to breach them improperly. Some quick research into their reviews, and website can give you a good idea about a company’s trustworthiness, and professionalism. 

4. Verify That the Locksmith is Legit When They Arrive

Once you do call an emergency locksmith, make sure they’re legitimate before they do any work or try to help. Some signs that a locksmith is legit include branded vehicles, company uniforms, and business cards. Also, ask for their contact information and see if it lines up with the number and name you used to contact them in the first place. A couple questions to verify their legitimacy wouldn’t hurt, either, as your safety is potentially involved. If something seems off or you feel threatened, contact the authorities.

These are just a few tips for calling an emergency locksmith. To gain additional peace of mind, and get a security consultation for your home, business or vehicle, contact A-1 Locksmith today.