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What Auto Locksmiths Contribute to the Community
Friday, May 25th, 2012Getting yourself locked out of your car is never a pleasant experience. Still, this situation can happen anytime. If you get locked out of your car or if you lost your key, a good auto locksmith can help solve your problem. Most locksmith companies provide auto locksmithing services. An auto locksmith specializes in vehicle entry and transponder key programming.
Auto locksmiths are trained to handle the breaking and opening of car locks, from the simplest ones to the trickiest. These days, most cars are equipped with advanced security lock systems on doors to prevent theft. Recent models of cars are more secure. However, if using the services of an auto locksmith is the last resort, it will be harder for an emergency locksmith to open your locked car if it is a recent model. Home locks and car locks are completely different.
Auto locksmithing is a specialized sub-field of locksmithing that not all locksmiths can do. To be able to open different types of car doors that use diverse types of security systems requires careful studying and special skills. The technicians at Rex Lock and Safe have the technical know-how to unlock the advanced gadgetry in today’s car doors without causing any damage to the mechanism. Unlocking today’s car door is not an easy task. In the past when car door systems were simpler, all one needs to do is to find a gap in the car window’s pane, wedge in a piece of metal and try to flip the lock. However, unlocking today’s car doors require more advanced equipment and technical skill.
Our auto locksmith services are available around the clock. That’s because getting locked out of your car can happen anytime, even at odd hours of the night. This is probably one of the most important contributions of auto locksmiths to the community. An auto locksmith will come to your aid anytime you need it. This is especially important in cases when you have a child or a pet trapped inside the locked car. Such a situation needs fast and urgent response. Still, it is highly recommended that you exercise precaution when calling a 24 hour locksmith.
Make sure that the emergency locksmith you contact comes from a reliable company. Always ask for identification before you give any locksmith access to your car. This is the reason why it is advised to look for a good, reliable and trustworthy professional auto locksmith even if you don’t need it yet. Always keep the contact details of your preferred auto locksmith somewhere in your wallet, calling cards or in your mobile phone contacts. You never know when you might get locked out of your car and need the services of a 24 hour locksmith; it always pays to be prepared.
Don’t get scammed by impostor locksmiths!
Thursday, May 10th, 2012Did you know that locksmith fraud is a growing concern in the entire country? Unscrupulous locksmiths are taking advantage of people who get locked out of their house or car. These cases are becoming more prevalent, which prompted the Better Business Bureau to issue a warning in 2007 against untrustworthy locksmiths who are ‘ripping off consumers’ across the nation. The BBB says that these locksmith scams have resulted to thousands of complaints. The BBB specifically warned about two companies, Dependable Locksmith and Basad Inc whose customers complain about significant overcharging for unnecessary services as well as intimidation tactics.
When a client calls, these locksmith companies quote a reasonable price. However, then the locksmith arrives, he demands significantly more than what was originally quoted and usually accepts only cash. In some cases, the customers are billed four times more than the quoted price. These fraudulent companies are very good at posing as professional and trustworthy locksmiths. To protect yourself from these locksmith impostors, here are some helpful tips you can follow when choosing a locksmith:
1. Verify the legal name of the business. Locksmith impostors usually operate under various business names and aliases as an attempt to hide their mode of operation. A telltale sign of a locksmith impostor is giving a generic phrase, such as ‘locksmith service’ or simply ‘locksmith’, when they answer the phone. If you encounter this, ask for the legal name of the company. If a company is hesitant to provide you with its legal name, look for another locksmith.
2. A legitimate locksmith should also be able to provide you with identification in the form of a business card with the company’s business name on it. In the same way, a legitimate locksmith should first ask for identification and proof from you that you have the authority to allow the unlocking.
3. Beware of unclear advertising. Be careful when choosing a locksmith from the yellow pages. Look closely at the ads and check if the business name is clearly identified or if the ad looks similar to other ads but with different names. This could be a sign of a lock smith impostor operating under multiple names.
4. Beware of unmarked vehicles. Most reputable locksmiths should arrive in a service vehicle clearly marked with the name of the business. Unless you already know the locksmith personally, never hire a locksmith that comes with an unmarked vehicle.
5. Ask about any additional fees and get an estimate on how much the job will cost before you agree to have the locksmith do the work. You should also be wary of signing a blank form authorizing a locksmith.
6. Demand an itemized invoice. Know how much you paid and what you paid for. This document will serve as proof in case you dispute a charge.
Should you upgrade your locks?
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012How secure is your home?
If you’re using low quality or knock-off locks and deadbolts on your doors an experienced burglar will have no trouble gaining access to your home! Protect your assets and invest in high security Medeco or Schlage Primus locks. Both have technologies to prevent picking and “bump-keying” and can not be duplicated without your authorization. Medeco is more expensive, but you get what you pay for and Medeco is top of the line when it comes to security. If you aren’t convinced, know that the White House uses Medeco locks on all of its doors!
Sleep well at night knowing your loved ones and possessions are secure.
