How to Find a Locksmith Company in Chicago

Arya

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If you have lock problems, a trustworthy locksmith company is a must. Whether it’s maintenance, emergency, or repair services, choosing the right locksmith company is necessary. This article offers tips on how to find the right one for your needs. Check it out!

Clarify What Locksmith Services You Need 

Decide the type of locksmith service you need, and be as clear about them as possible. A good locksmith company can perform a wide range of services, such as:  

  • Mechanical or electronic lock installation 
  • Lock repairs 
  • Lock rekeys or changes 
  • Duplicating keys 
  • Electronic access cards or key fob replacement 

The locksmith company should also provide advanced services such as: 

  • Supplying, installing, and maintaining high-security commercial locks and doors
  • Fixing components of keyless, biometric, and access control systems 
  • Responding to emergency calls in case of lockouts and broken locks 

Moreover, look for 24-hour services. After all, you never know when you might need the services of a locksmith. 

Get a List of Locksmith Professionals 

Create a shortlist of locksmith professionals near your area via a local internet search. You can also search for local directories of service providers. Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also a good resource for this. 

Create your shortlist based on their ratings, online reputation as indicated by reviews, your needs, and your budget. Narrow down the list by visiting their websites or calling their customer support services. This way, you can gauge the quality of their services. 

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Verify the Locksmith Company 

After choosing one company, investigate further. Check their online activities, and verify their local address through Google Maps. If you want, you can call the company outside of their regular working hours. 

Ask about their services, pricing structures, and rough estimates. These questions will help you decide whether you’re talking to the right locksmith company for your needs or not. If the latter’s the case, look for other companies that can answer your questions more satisfactorily. 

Look for a License 

One piece of information that’s crucial to ask is license. Many states require locksmiths to be licensed and bonded, and Illinois is no exception. 

While no formal training or work experience is required, locksmiths must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The person is qualified to receive a license if: 

  • They’re at least 18 years old
  • They pass an authorized licensing exam in the profession’s theory and practice
  • They pass a criminal background history check
  • They pay the required fees 

If the locksmith company you’ve chosen doesn’t have the required license, look for another one. 

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Ask about Insurance 

Insurance is a must. The locksmith company should have valid insurance, which may be general liability insurance or business owners policy (BOP) insurance. 

  • General Liability: covers various risk exposures such as damage by the service the locksmith offers, third-party personal and bodily injury, and advertising mistakes. 
  • BOP: combines commercial and general liability coverage. It has additional coverage such as cyber liability and business interruption. 

Accidents happen; you must be protected and compensated. 

Get a Written Estimate

If the locksmith company has good customer service and the right license and insurance, start asking for estimates and quotes. Give them a detailed explanation of your needs and requirements, and ask for a written estimate. The quote may include: 

  • Service Fees: these include transportation and additional charges for emergency services outside of normal business hours. Some locksmith companies even charge a flat fee for their trip to and from the job site. 
  • Hardware fees: these include charges for replacing or re-keying locks. In this case, it’s better to ask for a second opinion before giving the replacement the go-ahead. 

Always take time to review and approve the estimate before the project starts. 

How to Find a Locksmith Company in Chicago was last modified: by