We all know that feeling of despair when we realize we're locked out. It's scary. And inconvenient. A professional locksmith can help you get back into your home, car, or business quickly, without having to worry about your security being compromised. But how do you find the right locksmith service for you?

What types of lock and security issues do locksmiths resolve?

Locksmiths are trained to resolve all kinds of issues related to locks, keys, safes, and security issues. They can help you with issues like locked keys in the car, locked out of house, locked out of your car, your car won't start, locked in your car, etc.

Depending on what kind of issues are involved, you’ll need a locksmith for one or all of the following: car keys, lost keys, deadbolts, master bolts, special keys, OEM keys, etc. Here are some things you may want your locksmith to know before they can help you.

How do I find a reliable locksmith service?

You can find a reliable locksmith service by Googling for the name of your city and the word "locksmith" and by asking your friends and family. Ultimately, the decision to hire or use a professional locksmith boils down to the usefulness and costliness of the services they provide. But as with anything else, costs can vary greatly based on location, industry, and specialty. Be flexible with your search and do your research to help you present your needs to the best service provider for your area.

If your issue is minor, such as a loose door or an occasional bump, which can often be solved with a quick fix, a professional locksmith should be able to handle most common household and business issues. But if your issue involves more serious adjustments, such as a door that needs to be fixed to a certain degree, or serious structural issues, a professional locksmith should have the skills needed to help you prevent such expensive and time-consuming turnover.

Do yourself a favor and speak with a local friendly locksmith service about your issue so that you can determine if they can assist you. Your credit and rental history are also helpful in helping you understand what services you are looking for. Look for a professional locksmith to visit you soon after returning from work. This lets the professional know that you left for a while, so they can have their tools and the appropriate tools for the issue at hand. Local locksmiths are happy to show their appreciation by sending postcards to their customers, offering them a discount on their next service, or a hearty thanks for their help.

How much does it cost to call a locksmith?

If you lock yourself out of your car, the first question you probably have is, “what are the locksmith prices in your city?” The cost of your locksmith call will depend on the type of car you drive and the type of lock you have. New vehicles require a different method for finding a locksmith than cars that have been driven for a while. In most cases, your local auto manufacturer will provide you with an app that makes it easy and quick for you to call a locksmith when your vehicle is locked. Even the app will not transfer any personal information directly to the locksmith; in this case, a call is necessary.

Of course, a $40-$60 call to your local locksmith does not cover the lost time you might lose trying to get your car unlocked. Instead, it’s a good idea to get an estimate from a locksmith provider and compare this number to what it would cost you to get your car unlocked by the locksmith. If the cost of their service is significantly cheaper than the cost of getting your car unlocked by themselves, then that locksmith service provider is worth the call.

What should I know about local locksmiths before hiring them?

You must know what to look for in a locksmith before hiring them. Many people have been scammed by locksmiths in the past and you need to know what questions to ask and what to look for to avoid getting ripped off by a locksmith.

First things first, the locksmith should show up on the agreed-upon date with a contract in hand showing what services they’ll perform and a fee. You and the locksmith should sign the contract and get the appointment completed. You may want to review a copy with your lawyer before you sign.

The locksmith should also give you an estimate of when the locksmith will arrive and complete the job. Make sure your locksmith provides a copy of the estimate to you before you agree to the appointment. Local locksmiths also may agree to 200% or more of the published fee when prebooking your appointment.

Sometimes locksmiths charge by the hour, which can be an option for you if you have a higher hourly rate in mind.

When answering any questions about the job or where you need services performed, the locksmith is expected to tell you the rules and regulations of the premises and state and local laws in your area. If they can’t or won’t do this, you should take the matter up with the property owner or business licensing board.