Be Prepared Before You Call

Have you ever wondered what prevents criminals from calling locksmiths to let them into a car or house that doesn’t belong to them? Proof of ownership is required in order to get a locksmith to open any locked vehicle or house. For a home, proof of ownership can be as simple as an ID and a bill with a matching address. For a vehicle, you’ll need your ID and a matching registration or insurance card. It’s important to have all the information you need before you call a locksmith.

Information to Tell the Locksmith When You Call

In addition to having your identification and proof of ownership, there are some pieces of information that are very useful to your locksmith. By giving this information over the phone before the locksmith responds to your call, you can save some time. When you first call the locksmith, tell them:

The Type of Lock. Is it a padlock, a deadbolt, a smart lock, a remote entry, or some other type of lock? Let your locksmith know so they can be sure they are equipped to handle your needs.

The Brand of Lock. If you know the brand of the lock you need opened it can help your locksmith to bring the right equipment and tools to best help you.

If You Have the Key. Is the key stuck in the lock but won’t turn? Did the key break off in the lock? Let your locksmith know if either of these situations has occurred so they can bring the necessary tools and equipment.

Any Alternative Entryways. Obviously if you could get in through a different door you already would have, but some locked doors are easier to access than others. Your locksmith may have an easier time getting you in through a back or side door with a different type of lock. **Important safety tip: do not try to climb into your home through a window or any other potentially dangerous entry point.**