Even the thought of getting locked out of our homes or cars is nightmare for us. We have all assumed what will we do if we are ever caught in such a dreadful situation. However, what we miss to take into account during this trail of thoughts is what shall we do to prove that we have the ownership of our own home or car? From what i know most professional locksmiths will verify that it is actually yours before they even attempt to help you. What if your ID is locked in along with other relevant documents? What are the steps you can take to prove that you are in fact the owner?
Iill show you some of the ways locksmiths will check the ownership during a lockout:
Checking IDs
This is perhaps the primary step in verifying ownership during a lockout. It is also the easiest way you can prove to the locksmith that you are the owner of the car or the house.
- You can use social security documents or your driver’s license to prove ownership.
- For a car, you must have your name on the license and registration or the insurance of the car along with your photograph on it. If the documents are locked inside the car, you can request the locksmith to check identification once the car is unlocked.
- However, if you have recently moved to a new location and your address is not yet updated, you can even use a utility bill to prove ownership. A utility bill with your current address and photo ID will suffice just like your school ID, office ID, or Library Card.
- Even a mail addressed to you can be used to prove that you are the owner of the house.
- You can use social security documents or your driver’s license to prove ownership.
- For a car, you must have your name on the license and registration or the insurance of the car along with your photograph on it. If the documents are locked inside the car, you can request the locksmith to check identification once the car is unlocked.
- However, if you have recently moved to a new location and your address is not yet updated, you can even use a utility bill to prove ownership. A utility bill with your current address and photo ID will suffice just like your school ID, office ID, or Library Card.
- Even a mail addressed to you can be used to prove that you are the owner of the house.
Testimony of valid sources
If in case you are unable to offer any valid ID proof, don’t worry. There are still some ways your identification can be proved in front of the locksmith. It is an acceptable practice to take the verbal testimony of valid sources like your neighbors to get you back access to your home. However, once inside you will still have to produce your ID before the locksmith. Similarly, tenants can also call their landlord to vouch on your behalf.
This is because as the owner of the property, the landlord has the legal authority to allow you to access their house.
If in case you are unable to offer any valid ID proof, don’t worry. There are still some ways your identification can be proved in front of the locksmith. It is an acceptable practice to take the verbal testimony of valid sources like your neighbors to get you back access to your home. However, once inside you will still have to produce your ID before the locksmith. Similarly, tenants can also call their landlord to vouch on your behalf. This is because as the owner of the property, the landlord has the legal authority to allow you to access their house.
Police authorities
As a last resort, if the locksmith is still not convinced that you are indeed the owner of a property, they can verify ownership during a lockout from the police.
- Local authorities have a database of the residents and their properties and can easily verify ownership at the behest of the locksmith.
- They have the required training, experience as well as legal authority to intervene and sort out such scenarios.
Police authorities
As a last resort, if the locksmith is still not convinced that you are indeed the owner of
a property, they can verify ownership during
a lockout from the police.
- Local authorities have a database of the residents and their properties and can easily verify ownership at the behest of the locksmith.
- They have the required training, experience as well as legal authority to intervene and sort out such scenarios.
Getting the police involved does seem scary and unnecessary but remember that the locksmith is merely doing their job. They have to call the police simply as a means of doing their job properly and to protect themselves. Locksmiths sometimes are legally required to verify ownership before they offer access to a property. This is done to prevent any criminal offenses. If a locksmith allows access to an imposter, it can be dangerous, landing the locksmith behind bars or getting them heavily penalized for their negligence. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is best to maintain your calm and remain cooperative. If it is your house or your car, you have nothing to fear. Rest assured, the police will quickly resolve things if you are the true owner of a property.
It is never fun getting locked out of your property, however, if you can not prove the ownership of your house or car, things can be even more dreary. Regardless of that, you have to remember that a locksmith is merely doing the right thing by cross-checking the ownership of the property. This small act of caution can certainly prevent a tragedy from happening, even to the extent of saving a life. So, cooperate with the locksmith the next time you experience a lockout as they will help you find out a solution, get you back access to your home, while also protecting themselves legally.
