Locksmiths verify ownership by checking government issued valid ID card, which needs to match the address of the home and the location where the service is requested. Residential ownership can also be verified with title deeds, utility bills, or provided straight after unlocking the home, if the proof of ownership is locked inside. Car ownership can be verified via VIN number. Eitherway, the locksmiths will insist on this step before providing any type of service.
Why Locksmiths Verify Ownership?
Ownership verification is a standard part of the locksmith procedure. Upon arrival, every locksmith is required to demand proof of ownership before providing service. This is for legal reasons, to ensure that only authorised persons are allowed entry. Verifying property ownership ensures that only individuals who own the property or have the right to access it are allowed inside. This is considered to be a security measure, and every professional locksmith would insist on it, regardless of the emergency of the situation. The locksmith won’t provide any service if the ownership is not verified.
What Is a Valid Proof of Ownership?
01. Photo ID
Valid photo ID is always the best proof of ownership. A driver’s licence or passport is also considered solid proof, and often the quickest way to prove ownership. This way, the locksmith can confirm and verify the identity quickly and proceed to provide service. Once very important thing is that the address from the ID must match the address where the service is requested, otherwise this will not be accepted as a valid proof.
02. Utility Bills
Recent utility bills can also be accepted as valid proof of ownership in situations where a valid ID is not available. The bill needs to be of a recent date, displaying the name of the owner and the address where the service is requested. This is used just as a secondary measure in case any government-issued document is not available.
03. VIN
In certain situations, using the vehicle identification number (VIN) can be used to verify ownership. During a car lockout situation where there are no other documents available, using VIN is a last resort the locksmith will use to check for ownership before proceeding to unlock the car.
04. Title Deeds
If you are the owner of the property, with no ID or utility bills around, the title deeds are valid proof of ownership. This document clearly shows that you are the legal owner of the home. Title deeds make the verification process fast and easy, ensuring you receive help without any wait time.
05. On-site Verification
In some situations, all documents that can prove the ownership are locked inside the car or the home. Locksmiths can make an exemption, unlock the doors first, and then ask for proof of ownership immediately. If the proof of ownership is not provided, the locksmith will relock the doors and involve the police if there is something suspicious about the situation.
Alternative Method to Prove Ownership
01. Landlord Assistance
If you are living in a rental, obviously, you cannot provide proof of ownership. In such situations, getting assistance from your landlord is the go-to solution. Locksmiths accept over-the-phone confirmation, and sometimes even more solid proof in the form of written confirmation. Asking your landlord for a spare key is always a good idea.
02. Family Help
Having family living nearby can be helpful, since they can hold some documents or utility bills that can help you prove the ownership of the property. Furthermore, it is a good idea to check with them whether they have a spare key before calling the locksmith.
03. Neighbor Support
In situations where most options are not available, neighbor support and verification can come in handy. A trusted neighbor can testify to confirm you are the rightful owner and tenant of the home in question, making it easier for the locksmith to proceed to unlock the doors. However, this is only a half-done job, since after unlocking, you still need to provide valid proof confirming and verifying your identity.
04. Testimonies
Sometimes, when all other sources are drained, testimony from a trusted friend or nearby resident can be taken into consideration as a last resort. The locksmith will unlock the doors with caution, and ask for a valid proof of ownership straight afterwards.
05. Police Assistance
Even though it is rarely used (but still used), police assistance can help the locksmith in providing valid proof of ownership. Local authorities are contacted as a last resort when all other options are exhausted, but verification needs to be provided before the services.
What Is not Accepted as a Proof of Ownership?
Sometimes, the homeowners try to verify their ownership by showcasing phone calls or casual email conversations. Theseones can easily be falsified and forgotten, and that is the main reason why they are not accepted by the locksmiths. Also, bills with an address different from the location you are in are not accepted. When the owner doesn’t provide satisfactory proof of ownership, the locksmith may request additional verification.
This can be frustrating, but extra steps are necessary to ensure peace of mind and to avoid any unauthorized access. Ensuring you are the rightful owner is a very important step in preserving the security, which is a locksmith’s primary job.
What if the Locksmith Let’s Wrong Person In?
Professional locksmiths are legally required to obtain and hold insurance policies. If the locksmith lets the wrong person in, and that person attempts robbery or damages assets inside, the locksmith is liable. The insurance is there to protect homeowners from such situations, since it will compensate for any stolen or damaged assets.
The insurance will also cover replacing all the locks and ensuring the safety is again at its maximum level. To avoid such situations, ownership verification is a step that should never be avoided.
Final Thoughts
Verifying ownership can seem like an unnecessary step, especially in emergency situations where the clients are already agitated and under stress. Failure to provide the proof of ownership and the locksmith’s insistence on it may even enrage the customer further. However, the locksmith is still required to insist on providing a valid proof of ownership, just as a preventive measure that will help reduce unauthorized access and potential damage.
Our Fast Verification Process Allows Efficient and Prompt Locksmith Services. Hire Us Today!
Professionals at A1 Locksmith Service LLC are trained to deal with any kind of problem you are experiencing – from lockout situations to regular maintenance – we’ve got you covered, whatever you need. Call us at +1 (813) 817-5576 to schedule your locksmith service.
