Professional Locksmith Services Guide in Vancouver, BC

Looking for a Locksmith

Whether at home or at your place of business, there may come a time when you need the services of a locksmith. While a quick internet search will yield plenty of options, you want to make sure you choose a locksmith who is knowledgeable, skilled, and trustworthy, and who provides high quality service at a fair price. Unfortunately, there are many scams when it comes to locksmithing, and often, a seemingly local locksmith will be a far-off dispatch centre with unlicensed technicians. How do you go about weeding out the bad options and narrowing your search? Accurate Security has some helpful tips on what to look for in a professional locksmith.

Know What You Need

There are several reasons people hire locksmiths, and being clear about what you need will help you find the right person for the job. Common services provided by locksmiths include:

Installing locks at residences and businesses
Rekeying or changing locks
Lock repair
Making duplicate keys
Replacing electronic access cards or key fobs
Supplying, installing, and servicing commercial locks and doors
Fixing components of advanced lock systems, like keyless, biometric, or access control
Responding to emergency calls for broken locks or accidental lockouts

Look for a Local

If your insurance is covering the expense, the company might have a list of local locksmiths to use. If not, get a list of local locksmiths and narrow down the number of providers by looking at the services they offer and determining if they can meet your needs. Sometimes, the need is not urgent, giving you more time to shop around and find a locksmith company that can schedule someone to come at a time that is convenient for you. Choosing a locally owned business is important because it helps prevent you from being scammed when you work with a company that has ties to the community.

Check Credentials

A licensed, certified locksmith is best for your peace of mind. Request confirmation of the company’s licensing and insurance, and ask for the locksmith’s credentials. To obtain a locksmith license, a person must have no history of a criminal record, must complete training and an apprenticeship, and must be certified for residential and commercial services. Ask to see the locksmith’s business card when he or she arrives at your home or place of business. Check to make sure that the name of the company on the card is the same one that gave you the estimate. Ask for credentials, and a professional locksmith will be happy to show them.

Read Reviews

Customer reviews can tell you a lot about a business. Often, a locksmith’s website will have testimonials from satisfied customers, but it pays to dig a little bit deeper if you have time. Look for reviews from third-party review services, that are not likely to skew in favour of a particular locksmith.

Ask for an Estimate

Be thorough when talking to the locksmith company, asking for an estimate that includes all related fees and charges. If you are eligible for a discount, make that clear. Ask for a written copy of the quote you are given, and check the written estimate against the invoice when it is time to pay. Make sure you get an itemized invoice, in case you need to have this documentation for insurance or other purposes.

Be Mindful of Scams

If an estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you may end up paying a much higher price when all is said and done. Never hire a locksmith from a company that provides no specific address, does not specify a service area, or has an unusually large service range. Sometimes, this means it is a company posing as a local locksmith, and you may accrue additional fees for the locksmith’s service charge. If a company cannot show professional certifications or proof of license and insurance, or the online reviews are bad, move on to another company.

What do you want in a locksmith?

To sum up, three factors are most important when choosing a locksmith.

Experience: Look for a locksmith with years of experience and a good reputation in the community.
Credentials: Choose a locksmith with the proper insurance and licensing, and the credentials to back up their ability to do the job.
Service: Finally, make sure that the locksmith you choose is dependable and provides high quality service and results. Read online reviews, and look for indications that the company puts the needs of clients first, prioritizing customer safety and privacy. Find a locksmith company that is transparent in their services and costs, that will provide you an estimate in writing, and live up to the terms they set.

Certified Locksmiths with a Sterling Reputation

When you need a local locksmith with a well-established reputation for excellent service and prioritizing the customer, you need look no further than Accurate Security. Since 1968, Accurate Security has served homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland, and we’re the Greater Vancouver area’s premier choice for safety and security. One of the few family businesses left in the industry, Accurate Security was founded by Mark Oljaca and is now led by his son, Tony Oljaca. From our beginnings as a single locksmith store, we have expanded to seven different locations, offering a wide range of products and services beyond and including locksmithing. Our nearly 70 employees have vast knowledge and expertise, and we are committed to the safety and security of our customers. Providing a complete range of safety and security systems, various products, and state-of-the-art services, we provide prompt and professional services that ensure you never have to feel unsafe in your home or workplace again. For a free security screening or to learn more about all we have to offer, get in touch with our seasoned team by calling 604.777.3888 or contacting us through our website.