man on mobile phone

How to Choose a Locksmith

Being locked out is never fun. It always seems to happen at the wrong time, and trying to figure out how you’ll get back into your car or home quickly, can be frustrating. Locksmiths are a solution many turn to at this stressful time in hopes to resolve the issue. But picking just any locksmith doesn’t mean the job will get done, or get done right.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes time to make that important call for a locksmith.

Do Your Research

As with any service you purchase, it’s important to do some research before you make a decision. Today having access to the Internet on our mobile devices makes it pretty simple to search for a service and get recommended listings for businesses that can help. It’s just as easy to perform a search for other’s reviews on that company. You should first head to the website and see if there are the services you need listed (car lockout, rekeying, new locks etc.) and look for approval seals such as the Better Business Bureau which protects consumers.

Go Local

It’s always best to choose a company that’s based within your local area if you want speedy and trusted service. The locksmith business can sometimes get a bad rap from outsourced companies that send out unskilled professionals or overcharge for services. Picking up the phone and giving a company a call to speak about the price and any other concerns you may have can help you in selecting the right option for your needs.

Check with Your Insurance

Some insurance policies and other memberships like AAA may include lockout services, but you’ll have to choose from a list of providers and be sure your situation qualifies. Still it could end up saving you some money if you just take the extra time to find out your options.

Use a Licensed Professional

The last thing you’ll need after this problem, is another. Always be sure to use a licensed professional who has acquired the proper skills to perform the task at hand. Ask to see the locksmith’s credentials before he begins any work. Remember if you’re using someone who isn’t insured and licensed, and something happens on or to your property, you’ll be out of pocket for those costs as well.

Contact All American Locksmiths today for prompt lockout services, new locks, and more throughout Connecticut & Westchester County.

What You Should Do If Your Car or House Keys are Stolen

House keys held in an open palm.

Losing your keys is stressful situation. Trying to remember where you last placed them and knowing they provide access to your car and your home make the situation even harder.

What’s even more frightening, is losing our sense of security when we realize our house and car keys were not misplaced, but stolen. We immediately start to think of who it could’ve been, when it happened and what the intentions we’re behind stealing your keys.

If you’re already stressed out, chances are you’ll also draw a blank when thinking about the answers to all of these questions. Here is a rundown of what you should do if your car or house keys are stolen. Read more “What You Should Do If Your Car or House Keys are Stolen”

Should You Change the Locks If You Lose Your House Keys?

There is nothing worse than losing your keys and getting locked out of your own home. If that happens and there is no one else who can let you in, you will need to call a locksmith.

A common question people have after losing their house keys is whether or not they should change the locks. People worry that someone who finds their keys could enter their home and steal their belongings when they are not there. Whether or not you should change or rekey the locks will depend on the circumstances and how likely it is that someone who finds your keys could also figure out where you live.

Times When You Don’t Need to Change or Rekey the Locks

If you misplace your keys when you are several miles from your home and there is no identifying information on your key ring, you don’t need to change or rekey the locks. It is very unlikely that someone who found the keys would be able to figure out where you live and break into your home.

When You Should Change or Rekey Your Locks

If you lose your keys close to home, however, that is a different story. For example, if you are walking your dog or going for a jog in your neighborhood and drop your keys, someone who finds them might assume they belong to a house in the neighborhood and try different doors until finding the lock that the key opens. If you misplace your keys near your home, you should have your locks changed or rekeyed.

If you lose your keys along with anything that contains your name or address, you could easily become the victim of a break-in. For example, if your purse is lost or stolen and it contains both your keys and your driver’s license, anyone who finds it will know exactly where you live and will have the means to enter your home. You should have the locks changed or rekeyed immediately.

All American Locksmiths Is Available to Help in an Emergency

All American Locksmiths is here to help whenever you need a locksmith in an emergency. If you lock yourself out of your home, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can let you back into your house and change or rekey the locks if necessary. All American Locksmiths serves cities and towns all over Connecticut and Westchester County, including Easton, Bridgeport, North Haven, Dobbs Ferry, Chappaqua, and Bedford. Call us whenever you are in need of assistance.