
Anyone living in the Portland metro area understands just how big the city truly is, and how busy customer support teams tend to be in this part of Oregon.
People are constantly locking themselves out of their homes and vehicles throughout Portland every day, which is why getting a reliable locksmith during an emergency can sometimes be easier said than done.
Figuring out the best locksmith portland is almost like picking out a familiar face in a crowd of strangers, because most locksmith companies will appear similar on the surface—until it’s too late and you’re stuck with someone unqualified or outrageously expensive.
That’s why we’ve created this list of tips to help you find the best locksmith contractors in the Portland OR area, so check out the below sections if you’re currently locked out in Portland and need help!
Learn Common Locksmith Scam Warning Signs
Just like any industry, there are some locksmith scams out there that people should be aware of while they’re initially looking to hire a new partner. Although many locksmith scams might initially be tough to recognize, we’ve compiled a brief list of red flag warning signs that indicate locksmith scams:
- They’re Unfamiliar With The Portland Area: Some scammer locksmiths might claim to be in your part of Portland, even though they’re actually located far away. Your eyebrows should be raised if they start asking questions about directions in your part of town.
- Generic Company Greetings: If a locksmith company answers the phone with a generic greeting like “locksmith service, how can I help you?”, then it’s a red flag that they might have multiple business aliases that they’re running throughout the community.
- False Advertising: Some scammers will also advertise themselves as members of industry associations, which is why you should always double-check a locksmith’s accreditation prior to hiring them!
Look For Local Portland Locksmiths
Another important tip is to find a locksmith that’s legitimately located near you. Sticking to companies within your community will lead to a faster appointment, and this is particularly important if you’re experiencing an emergency and need a resolution ASAP.
And in cities like Portland that are right on a state border, it’s important to ensure that your locksmith has proper insurance for your specific area. This is an issue in cities like Portland, because a lot of companies from across the Columbia River in Washington will try to win over Oregon-based customers—even though their insurance isn’t technically sufficient.
Get Referrals FromNeighbors& Friends
Who do you trust more than your friends, family members and close neighbors? The odds are that they’ve worked with local locksmiths before, and that their insights could truly be invaluable for you as you’re making your next hiring decision.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you want more details about a locksmith’s quality of work, services and pricing. The more info you can get from the people you trust, the better off you’ll be when you start reaching out to prospective contractors!
Prioritize Well-Established Locksmiths
One way to know whether a locksmith company is worth your time or not is to verify how long they’ve been in business in the Portland area. Reputable locksmiths will have years, if not decades, of experience supporting your local community.
And when you see that a locksmith has been around for a while, you’ll also be able to see countless customer reviews detailing what their personal experiences were like with the company’s team members. Experience becomes a powerful selling point for locksmiths, because it gives you both a bode of confidence and tangible, firsthand information about what you can expect when hiring them!
Choose Certified Locksmiths
This hiring factor might be a given, but you’ll never want to hire an unqualified locksmith to work on your property’s locks or security system. There’s an official association called Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) that certifies reputable locksmiths all around the country, and you should make sure that your next partner in Portland is a member of this accreditation board.
Don’t be afraid to ask a prospective locksmith about their qualifications, including industry certifications that they should be very proud to discuss. And once they’ve told you about their certifications, try to double-check them by doing your own online research.
Ask About Their Insurance
Although this tip is somewhat toward the bottom of this article’s list, it’s essential to not overlook the importance of a locksmith company’s insurance policy.
In the rare event that something goes wrong during your appointment, you’ll want the company’s protection to cover your property damages. Although getting proof of insurance isn’t always straightforward, most reputable locksmith companies will be more than happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.
Consider A Locksmith Specialist
There are many scenarios in which home and business owners have specific needs that are somewhat rare, and it’s possible that you might need a locksmith that specializes in one industry niche.
For example, you might need an automotive locksmith if you’re locked out of your car—as opposed to a locksmith that typically provides services at homes and businesses
Verify A Locksmith Company’s Online Listings & Reviews
Like we mentioned earlier, a locksmith company’s online reviews and listings are essential during your hiring search. These listings are incredible resources that can provide you all sorts of priceless information.
Whether it’s a past customer’s personal experience or a detailed overview of a locksmith’s experience, you’ll be able to learn a lot when you verify these online resources!
Contact Davis Lock & Safe When Looking For The Best Locksmith In Portland!
By following the above tips, you’ll put yourself in the best position to find one of the best locksmith companies in the Portland area, because you’ll be aware of important precautions, you’ll know what to look for while doing your online research, and you’ll have the perfect questions in your back pocket during consultation calls.
One of the top-rated locksmiths in Portland is at Davis Lock & Safe, and you can speak directly with their industry experts when you click on the link to their website that’s located at the top of this page!