I don't do auto anymore, but when I did I would accept ID and matching insurance documentation on the vehicle. I figure even if you don't have the registration in the car you SHOULD have the insurance. These days, for residential unlocks or rekeys I ALWAYS need the customer to have ID that either matches the address, OR (and this happens a fair amount because I live in a military town) some other documentation with their name and that address, closing paperwork or lease for folks just moving in, utility bill, bank statement, etc. If the ID address doesn't match I document their info as it is on the ID, including driver's license number under customer, and the physical address, and what additional paperwork I saw, under the "ship to" (I use stock Staple's brand two part invoices) section. That way if there ever IS a question as to why I did an unlock or rekey I have the documentation that I DID my due diligence... Like if someone has a nonmatching ID and two utilities bills they can get a driver's license address change in my state, so if it's good enough for the DMV it's good enough for me.
I am constantly reminding myself and my #lockboss team to slow down and explain everything. We have to have matching names on paperwork or it’s a no go.
Make keys for or unlock house, business, car... at least 2 forms of verification...CYA. I've had to call the authorities more than once. One time, an ex-husband was trying to get in ex- wife's house... turned out there was a protective order against him. Stay safe out there.
A good #Lockboss always verifies ownership. I only do auto unlocks anymore, but I use a sheet derived from ALOA's policies for all jobs. I have the customer fill it out, verify the VIN and registration once the car is open. I always open the passenger side since it is closest to the glovebox, and I can quickly close one door and lock it if a problem pops up. For houses, we have a ton of rentals in this college town. I always verify property records to make sure the owner is the same person I'm speaking with. Some rental companies have contracts with other locksmiths. And always always, keep your records.
As a retired first responder ( LEO, Firefighter, and Paramedic) who is getting into the lockout side of the business- these are some of the #lockboss ideas/ thoughts I had to consider since I am unable to run any information like I did when I was on the job. Service fee- collect a portion of it or all of it before putting my vehicle in gear- which is easier with all the pay apps ( PayPal, Venmo, etc). Invest in a body camera ( which are pretty cheap) so when you get there- turn it on and get a good shot of the id and registration to prove ( or disprove) ownership and/or disputes and actions. Lastly, trust your gut. If it seems shady- it usually is.
Great video PJ, I have actually called the Sheriff's office before to get them to come out and verify ownership before I unlocked the vehicle. #Lockboss
No keys Drivers license and one of 3 things valid and name matching...title registration or insurance card and must bring into shop to verify first .lockouts are different
#Lockboss. When we did automotive we would always quiz them about what’s inside. Once we opened the wrong car, 2 cars same make and model, Color also. That was fun. We would always try to get id if possible, if not, quiz them about the car. In most cases all was good
I myself is unlocked the wrong car and how embarrassing is that ask to wait out the car but sometimes we get in a hurry and we go there it is and we do it and it's not the right one not good lockfather live and learn everyday
Great video, Pete & PJ! Especially in light of the recent move to NASTF and VSP's. I do the same as the Lockfather... names have to match. Only now I get to blame NASTF for the rules! LOL The main thing is to CYA. I've turned down jobs because things didn't sound right or I suspected foul play. Recently I had one where the Dad needed keys made for 3 vehicles, as his son had stolen the keys. Turns out that the Dad had a brain bleed a couple of weeks prior and wasn't supposed to drive. I politely told him the 3 vehicles were too new for my programmer to handle (which wasn't the case as I have a VSP). I didn't want to make him feel bad and his caregiver was happy! #AccessLockKeyLLC #HaulinBrass #LockBoss
And as always check with a local lawyer in your state if you have questions on your process and procedures. Because good luck getting PJ to bail you out of jail! #lockboss
We match ID with title or registration only as anyone can insure any vehicle. Residential, we want a piece of mail, rental agreement, or we'll ask for proof of ownership like property tax documents. Commercial is a little tricky but if they can show proof of ownership of the property, proof of the business management, or an active lease agreement then we'll help. #lockboss
I agree, but it would be a rare incident that someone would use a Locksmith to steal a car. I did have a Locksmith friend who went to a house with the car in the driveway and the person came out of the house and told him he'd lost the keys to his car. Turned out it was his ex-girlfriend who was out of town and he still had a key to her home. At that time, the Locksmith was not charged! The boyfriend was charged with auto theft and obtaining services under false pretences. That being said, it's always better to be safe than sorry. #Lockboss
I'm going to try my best to stay away from auto's except for lockouts. This is excellent information and could apply to residential and commercial. I saw at least one other person ask this. What do you do if they refuse to pay you? #Lockboss
As a LEO that used to do a lot of curtesy unlocks it was easy as we’d just run registrations. In private you can check registration, most people keep this in the vehicle, unfortunately once you open the vehicle to let someone get a registration within, you could have already committed a crime or own the liability of damage if the vehicle is someone else’s. I was taught years ago that it’s best to keep the registration in my wallet and not in the vehicle. Over the years more departments have stopped the practice of curtesy unlocks as people have just gotten so litigious and there was just too much risk of a good deed leading to some real or perceived damage.
I made one for a guy who showed me his license and then pulled up his registration on the phone. It was a Durango and so was the registration but I didn't look deep enough to see it was a different Durango. This ended up being a rental and was reported stolen after I already made the key and he was gone. The cops found him about an hour away. #Lockboss
Excellent info. once again .. I always try to get as much info. as possible before going out to the job .. Thinking about doing what a fellow #LockBoss does and that is to take payment first through Zello first ( after getting all the information first) and then head out to the job ... Good job once again and keep up the good work ... #LockBoss
I verify the registration or title and ID for keys… for lockouts honestly, I don’t ask for anything unless I’m suspicious. It’s a good idea to ask regardless. I’m so used to using my NASTF account because you have to have proof of ownership and ID or drivers license to fill out your D1 it just puts me in the habit of asking anyway #Lockboss
I've had customers tell me their ID is inside. I open the car, ID and registration don't match, I throw keys back inside, lock the door and close it. But doesn't happen often. #Lockboss
We always ask for License and ref or insurance card or bill of sale that matches. Newer rule for Nastf a driver lic. Is the only picture I’d accepted. #lockboss
I always get an ID and make sure their name is on the insurance card. If it is on the insurance, it is safe to assume that they have permission to be in the vehicle. I find it rare in Texas that people carry registration paperwork in their vehicle unless it is a commercial vehicle. #Lockboss
I check ID, insurance(you can usually get on your phone, or registration and if they can’t provide insurance or registration once unlocked I lock it back up and collect the service fee. Only had to do that twice but I’ve also refused jobs based on sketchiness or drunkenness. I have family in law enforcement in the area and could possibly have a plate run or will call local police if I were to suspect something fishy. #LockBoss
I don't work with autos. If I did, I would tell them on the phone that the vehicle's owner must be present and that they are required to show that their ID matches the registration. #Lockboss
This #lockboss doesn't want legal problems, so I always try to match ID with registration and verify ownership. There are cases where I'll give some wiggle room if I feel good about the situation and it makes sense. Most trouble calls seem to happen at night.
My very first car I ever opened was at a mall in Erie, PA and it was a stolen Cadillac Deville. I asked for ID and he said it was in the car. I had trouble being my first car ever so someone apparently called police and said someone was breaking into car. When they showed up I had just opened car. They were running plates and it came back stolen. The police asked me why I opened the car without ID and I said he had told me ID was in car and they then said I was ok to go. I then said he never paid me so they opened the police car back door and told the kid to pay me. Needless to say he wasn't happy.
Does anyone ever charge the service fee up front, even before starting the trip? This would seem like a good idea because it might deter people from trying to get away with trying to get you to open a car when the customer knows that they don't have the right documentation. #Lockboss
People call and ask for a key and then are surprised we ask for ownership information. Why do you need that ? Call back 3 times asking why do you need all this information. #Billingslocksmith
Every #LOCKBOSS need to know this IF IT ISNT WRITTEN DOWN, IT DID NOT HAPPEN! Document Everything Remember this acronym P-T-A Protect Thy Assets. As a maintenance man for several properties, ive had the misfortune of getting a call to unlock a residence, and When I get to the address I call the property management and have them on the phone with me and then Have the tenant sign off that im there to unlock their door , and that they will be charged for $25.00 for it. And if i cant get property manager on the phone I tell the tenant I am not unlocking it.
We weren't too picky who we'd unlock for with the company I worked for previously. Thanks for helping us protect ourselves going forward. Thank you! #Lockboss
I find it incredible and irresponsible how many people do not have, or cannot find, the registration or insurance certificates for their vehicles. Keep a copy of them on your phone!!! #lockboss
I don't do auto anymore, but when I did I would accept ID and matching insurance documentation on the vehicle. I figure even if you don't have the registration in the car you SHOULD have the insurance.
These days, for residential unlocks or rekeys I ALWAYS need the customer to have ID that either matches the address, OR (and this happens a fair amount because I live in a military town) some other documentation with their name and that address, closing paperwork or lease for folks just moving in, utility bill, bank statement, etc.
If the ID address doesn't match I document their info as it is on the ID, including driver's license number under customer, and the physical address, and what additional paperwork I saw, under the "ship to" (I use stock Staple's brand two part invoices) section.
That way if there ever IS a question as to why I did an unlock or rekey I have the documentation that I DID my due diligence... Like if someone has a nonmatching ID and two utilities bills they can get a driver's license address change in my state, so if it's good enough for the DMV it's good enough for me.
I am constantly reminding myself and my #lockboss team to slow down and explain everything. We have to have matching names on paperwork or it’s a no go.
Make keys for or unlock house, business, car... at least 2 forms of verification...CYA. I've had to call the authorities more than once. One time, an ex-husband was trying to get in ex- wife's house... turned out there was a protective order against him. Stay safe out there.
A good #Lockboss always verifies ownership.
I only do auto unlocks anymore, but I use a sheet derived from ALOA's policies for all jobs.
I have the customer fill it out, verify the VIN and registration once the car is open. I always open the passenger side since it is closest to the glovebox, and I can quickly close one door and lock it if a problem pops up.
For houses, we have a ton of rentals in this college town. I always verify property records to make sure the owner is the same person I'm speaking with. Some rental companies have contracts with other locksmiths.
And always always, keep your records.
Great information as always. One of the reasons this #LockBoss has stayed away from vehicle lockouts. JTShelton Locksmith
As a retired first responder ( LEO, Firefighter, and Paramedic) who is getting into the lockout side of the business- these are some of the #lockboss ideas/ thoughts I had to consider since I am unable to run any information like I did when I was on the job. Service fee- collect a portion of it or all of it before putting my vehicle in gear- which is easier with all the pay apps ( PayPal, Venmo, etc). Invest in a body camera ( which are pretty cheap) so when you get there- turn it on and get a good shot of the id and registration to prove ( or disprove) ownership and/or disputes and actions. Lastly, trust your gut. If it seems shady- it usually is.
It's much more difficult when you're called to open a house, especially late at night .
How can you be sure that person is the owner of the house?
Haciendo muchas preguntas y usando la psicologia eso hago y si noto algo raro, lo siento no hago ningun servicio
Most county’s have online records of ownership that are publicly accessible.
Great video PJ, I have actually called the Sheriff's office before to get them to come out and verify ownership before I unlocked the vehicle. #Lockboss
What do you do when a customer cannot/wiil not pay after service is rendered?
A true #lockboss always uses his powers for good. Great video!
Great Information for the #Lockboss . Thank You PJ and #LockFather
No keys Drivers license and one of 3 things valid and name matching...title registration or insurance card and must bring into shop to verify first .lockouts are different
Great Info, thanks for sharing! #Lockboss
Great as always PJ! Helping all of us continue to not only be, but be better at being a #lockboss 🎉
#Lockboss. When we did automotive we would always quiz them about what’s inside. Once we opened the wrong car, 2 cars same make and model, Color also. That was fun. We would always try to get id if possible, if not, quiz them about the car. In most cases all was good
I myself is unlocked the wrong car and how embarrassing is that ask to wait out the car but sometimes we get in a hurry and we go there it is and we do it and it's not the right one not good lockfather live and learn everyday
Great video, Pete & PJ! Especially in light of the recent move to NASTF and VSP's. I do the same as the Lockfather... names have to match. Only now I get to blame NASTF for the rules! LOL The main thing is to CYA. I've turned down jobs because things didn't sound right or I suspected foul play. Recently I had one where the Dad needed keys made for 3 vehicles, as his son had stolen the keys. Turns out that the Dad had a brain bleed a couple of weeks prior and wasn't supposed to drive. I politely told him the 3 vehicles were too new for my programmer to handle (which wasn't the case as I have a VSP). I didn't want to make him feel bad and his caregiver was happy! #AccessLockKeyLLC #HaulinBrass #LockBoss
Definitely do your homework and make sure information matches before you touch the vehicle. #Lockboss
Thanks for another video PJ and Lockfather. #Lockboss
And as always check with a local lawyer in your state if you have questions on your process and procedures. Because good luck getting PJ to bail you out of jail! #lockboss
Nicely explained 🌴😎
I always check and document license and registration. I will only open vehicles by request of EMS or Law enforcement.#lockboss
Great info, it is always best to CYA. Thanks #LockBoss
A true #lockboss is always ethical in how they conduct business, and they always collect the service fee.
Definitely want to make sure all that stuff matches! #lockboss
Your videos are always so helpful PJ thank you and your Dad. #Lockboss
Very cool to hear. #Lockboss
Words of wisdom from a true #lockboss
Thank you guys so much! #lockboss
We match ID with title or registration only as anyone can insure any vehicle.
Residential, we want a piece of mail, rental agreement, or we'll ask for proof of ownership like property tax documents.
Commercial is a little tricky but if they can show proof of ownership of the property, proof of the business management, or an active lease agreement then we'll help.
#lockboss
Haven’t experienced this yet but very useful information #lockboss
I agree, but it would be a rare incident that someone would use a Locksmith to steal a car. I did have a Locksmith friend who went to a house with the car in the driveway and the person came out of the house and told him he'd lost the keys to his car. Turned out it was his ex-girlfriend who was out of town and he still had a key to her home. At that time, the Locksmith was not charged!
The boyfriend was charged with auto theft and obtaining services under false pretences.
That being said, it's always better to be safe than sorry. #Lockboss
Seriously good information. #Lockboss
Good info for any automotive #lockboss
Very cool topic #Lockboss
Those are good policies to go by. #Lockboss
I'm going to try my best to stay away from auto's except for lockouts. This is excellent information and could apply to residential and commercial. I saw at least one other person ask this. What do you do if they refuse to pay you? #Lockboss
Thanks for the great info. #Lockboss
Great information #lockboss.
Great info, Thanks. #Lockboss
As a LEO that used to do a lot of curtesy unlocks it was easy as we’d just run registrations. In private you can check registration, most people keep this in the vehicle, unfortunately once you open the vehicle to let someone get a registration within, you could have already committed a crime or own the liability of damage if the vehicle is someone else’s.
I was taught years ago that it’s best to keep the registration in my wallet and not in the vehicle.
Over the years more departments have stopped the practice of curtesy unlocks as people have just gotten so litigious and there was just too much risk of a good deed leading to some real or perceived damage.
I made one for a guy who showed me his license and then pulled up his registration on the phone. It was a Durango and so was the registration but I didn't look deep enough to see it was a different Durango. This ended up being a rental and was reported stolen after I already made the key and he was gone. The cops found him about an hour away. #Lockboss
Better to be #Lockboss safe than lockboss sorry. Great information as always. 👍
Totally agree, I fill out a D1 on paper and have it in the file with invoice just in case. #lockboss
Excellent info. once again .. I always try to get as much info. as possible before going out to the job .. Thinking about doing what a fellow #LockBoss does and that is to take payment first through Zello first ( after getting all the information first) and then head out to the job ... Good job once again and keep up the good work ... #LockBoss
Great advice #LockBoss
Good Stuff
We have to have license and registration at minimum if not further proof. #Lockboss
I verify the registration or title and ID for keys… for lockouts honestly, I don’t ask for anything unless I’m suspicious. It’s a good idea to ask regardless. I’m so used to using my NASTF account because you have to have proof of ownership and ID or drivers license to fill out your D1 it just puts me in the habit of asking anyway #Lockboss
#lockboss love it!
Thanks for the great advice #lockboss
Great info. Always enjoy the lockfather and pj duo. #LOCKBOSS
I've had customers tell me their ID is inside. I open the car, ID and registration don't match, I throw keys back inside, lock the door and close it. But doesn't happen often. #Lockboss
We always ask for License and ref or insurance card or bill of sale that matches. Newer rule for Nastf a driver lic. Is the only picture I’d accepted. #lockboss
Good info
#lockboss
I always get an ID and make sure their name is on the insurance card. If it is on the insurance, it is safe to assume that they have permission to be in the vehicle. I find it rare in Texas that people carry registration paperwork in their vehicle unless it is a commercial vehicle. #Lockboss
I check ID, insurance(you can usually get on your phone, or registration and if they can’t provide insurance or registration once unlocked I lock it back up and collect the service fee. Only had to do that twice but I’ve also refused jobs based on sketchiness or drunkenness. I have family in law enforcement in the area and could possibly have a plate run or will call local police if I were to suspect something fishy. #LockBoss
Great information! #lockboss
Thank you kind sir!! -PJ
good vid you and your dad!! #lockboss
#LOCKBOSS Always first rule is make sure person you are doing work for matches vehicle.
I don't work with autos. If I did, I would tell them on the phone that the vehicle's owner must be present and that they are required to show that their ID matches the registration. #Lockboss
This #lockboss doesn't want legal problems, so I always try to match ID with registration and verify ownership. There are cases where I'll give some wiggle room if I feel good about the situation and it makes sense. Most trouble calls seem to happen at night.
My very first car I ever opened was at a mall in Erie, PA and it was a stolen Cadillac Deville. I asked for ID and he said it was in the car. I had trouble being my first car ever so someone apparently called police and said someone was breaking into car. When they showed up I had just opened car. They were running plates and it came back stolen. The police asked me why I opened the car without ID and I said he had told me ID was in car and they then said I was ok to go. I then said he never paid me so they opened the police car back door and told the kid to pay me. Needless to say he wasn't happy.
Just wanted to share that. #Lockboss
Does anyone ever charge the service fee up front, even before starting the trip? This would seem like a good idea because it might deter people from trying to get away with trying to get you to open a car when the customer knows that they don't have the right documentation. #Lockboss
Cool #lockboss
People call and ask for a key and then are surprised we ask for ownership information. Why do you need that ? Call back 3 times asking why do you need all this information. #Billingslocksmith
Every #LOCKBOSS need to know this IF IT ISNT WRITTEN DOWN, IT DID NOT HAPPEN! Document Everything
Remember this acronym
P-T-A Protect Thy Assets.
As a maintenance man for several properties, ive had the misfortune of getting a call to unlock a residence, and When I get to the address I call the property management and have them on the phone with me and then Have the tenant sign off that im there to unlock their door , and that they will be charged for $25.00 for it. And if i cant get property manager on the phone I tell the tenant I am not unlocking it.
Im getting certified right now as. Locksmith and THIS is emphasized strongly.
I had to call the cops on a customer before after refusing service. I'm still waiting for his promissed lawsuit 20 years later. 😂 #lockboss
We weren't too picky who we'd unlock for with the company I worked for previously. Thanks for helping us protect ourselves going forward. Thank you! #Lockboss
I find it incredible and irresponsible how many people do not have, or cannot find, the registration or insurance certificates for their vehicles. Keep a copy of them on your phone!!! #lockboss
Lots of funny people out there. They will try to pressure you as well if you let them. #lockboss
👍#lockboss
Thats great. John asked me about this worked just the other day. #lockboss
Id too like to know what you do if you go there and things don't match and they refuse to pay the service call fee? #Lockboss
Exactly, in the real world, you may get shot or stabbed or situation will escalate
#Lockboss
#lockboss
#lockboss
#lockboss
#lockboss
Another reason this small time #Lockboss stays away from autos!
If it seems fishy it probably is…. #LockBoss
Awesome tutorial on being safe in your job as a locksmith so you dont end up in trouble with the law#lockboss
I Do Unlock In The Key Are Lock In Car. I Copy The Car Key. But I Don't Make Replace Key If All Are Lost. #lockboss
First #lockboss